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Advertising Wales

Cash-strapped Welsh councils net online advertising windfall

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By John Glenday, Reporter

February 5, 2018 | 2 min read

Four local councils in Wales have revealed receipt of over £34,500 from advertisements hosted on their official websites to fund essential services, as ongoing austerity cuts continue to bite.

Wales

Cash-strapped Welsh councils net online advertising windfall

Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Wrexham and Vale of Glamorgan councils turned to the unorthodox funding source in 2014, generating for every click through on display ads.

Sourced predominantly via the Council Advertising Network all ads are pre-approved by each council prior to display with controversial such as gambling, cosmetic procedures, alcohol, drugs and supplements faced with a blanket ban.

Of the four Wrexham has been the biggest beneficiary, collecting over £28,764 since 2014, while Blaenau Gwent which generated £1,500 over the same period. Torfaen meanwhile collected £2,321 over the past two years and Vale of Glamorgan picked up £2,000 last year.

A spokesperson for Torfaen Council said: “Most people are aware we have advertising on things like roundabouts and council vehicles and sponsorship for events, so advertising on the website is simply another way in which we can offer opportunities for businesses to promote themselves to our residents.”

The Welsh Local Government Association stress that the promotion of adverts on council websites should not be construed as an official endorsement.

Advertising Wales

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