COI responds to claims of bullying agencies to work for free
The Central Office of Information has defended itself following claims from IPA chief Hamish Pringle that agencies are being pressured by the Government to continue to work on campaigns for free.
A COI spokesperson told The Drum that it would continue to look for "cost efficient" methods of working, but said it had "worked hard" to maintain long-term relationships with marketing agencies.
They said: “The Government has implemented a freeze on all new advertising and marketing spend to contribute to the delivery of efficiency savings the Government pledged to deliver this year. Government will continue to commission marketing and advertising, but only where there is an essential need to do so and there is clear evidence that it delivers tangible results.
“COI continues to help deliver essential cost efficient and effective advertising when it is required. This is provided under a rigorous procurement framework which meets EU Procurement Law. COI has always worked hard to maintain long term relationships with its advertising and marketing agencies and to ensure they are rewarded fairly for the work they do.
"However, we cannot comment on circumstances where the specific agency or campaign is not identified."