A spokesperson for the LLDC has said the authority are disappointed following the announcement that an appeal to keep the exact details of the contract between LLDC and West Ham United confidential has failed.
A spokesman for LLDC said “We are disappointed by the tribunal’s decision.”
“We have already published the vast majority of the contract and only undertook this appeal following very clear legal advice that to release the remaining details could significantly impact the stadium’s ability to act competitively.”
“The ruling will result in significant challenges given the commercial realities of a highly competitive market, which could amount to many millions of pounds being lost over the term of a 99-year deal.”
“We are considering the judgement very carefully before we decide on the next steps to take.”
West Ham haven’t commented separately after today’s announcement but they previously released a statement backing the appeal last year saying: “We support the LLDC’s decision to appeal against the Information Commissioner’s Office judgment and the subsequent release of a more detailed version of our contract with them.
From West Ham United’s point of view, other than the personal affairs of our shareholders, we are happy to disclose the entire document, the details of which have been accurately reported widely enough already.
However, quite clearly, E20 must continue to best serve the taxpayer through the negotiation of future contracts with potential users of the stadium and it is therefore only right that details which affect their ability to do so remain confidential.”
Oh well done all you jealous *******s you have now done the tax payer out of a significant amount on any future deals. While no one knew the exact figures future investers looking for naming rights etc would have to come in with blind bids and someone would have bid a ridiculous amount. Now however they will have a yardstick. = less return for the average tax payer who you *****s claim to be acting for.