Distance Aware Scheme: FOI release

Information requested

1. How many distance Aware badges were taken up by the public?

2. How many distance Aware lanyards were taken up by the public?

3. How many of both were purchased by the Scottish government?

4. What was the purchase cost of both items?

5. How many are sitting in distribution areas i.e. libraries and Asda store as I am sure the facts must be available to any organisation that spends tax payers money.

 

Response

1. How many distance Aware badges were taken up by the public?

• As of 4 March (a minimum of) 108,296 badges were taken by members of the public directly through libraries.
• We do not supply ASDA. They have indicated they have distributed 4000 to their 62 stores and have placed a further order of 25,000 for distribution throughout the UK.

2. How many distance Aware lanyards were taken up by the public?

• As of 4 March, (a minimum of) 28,683 lanyards were taken up by members of the public directly through libraries.

3. How many of both were purchased by the Scottish government?

• Initial purchase of 250,000 badges and 50,000 lanyards. Additional order following early uptake for 100,000 badges and 40,000 lanyards.
• Total purchased: 350,000 badges and 90,000 lanyards

4. What was the purchase cost of both items?

• We purchased an initial supply of Distance Aware badges and lanyards at a cost of £44,679.06.
• Due to early uptake, we ordered additional supplies of badges and lanyards at a cost of £43,807.14. This is to provide additional supplies to libraries, and to provide supplies to Local Authorities to distribute on a flexible basis.
• Total cost for Distance Aware is £88,486.20.

5. How many are sitting in distribution areas i.e. libraries and Asda store as I am sure the facts must be available to any organisation that spends tax payers money.

• The most recent return from libraries indicates they now have 128,347 badges and 28,744 lanyards. However these figures are incomplete as not all libraries have been able to supply a return, and are therefore likely to represent an underestimate.
• Local Authorities have recently received 70,900 badges and 14,350 lanyards for distribution.
• Central retained stock for ongoing distribution of approximately 10,000 badges and 10,000 lanyards.
• No figures for ASDA – they purchased their own. We know they initially distributed 4,000 for Scottish stores and placed a further order of 25,000 after early interest.

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