Coronavirus information leaflet cost: FOI release

Information requested

"I have just received my mail today and in it was an envelope from The Scottish Government. Whilst I commend you for sending out the letter and leaflet, I feel that after 5 weeks of the lockdown where there has been information given out on the news, television adverts, government briefings, newspaper adverts, internet and emails, could the cash spent on producing these letters/leaflets not be better spent on more urgent requirements to help those in separate need at this time. Through the Freedom of Information Act, I would like to know the cost of producing the leaflets."

Response

The answer to your question is:
The cost of producing and distributing the leaflet and letter to every household in Scotland was £513,467. This equates to an individual cost of 20p per household.

There were a number of key reasons why this communications activity was undertaken, including:
1. To provide the level of additional information that cannot be covered in a TV advert or is not included in news reporting. This is especially important for those who are not able to get online to access additional information.
2. To signpost where people can get additional support with a range of issues as a result of coronavirus.
3. To further reinforce the changes that the Scottish Government is asking people to make to their lives.
4. To provide each home with a document that clearly sets out the approach to household isolation.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.