Campaigners have criticised Norwich City Council for not implementing an advertising policy it voted on almost three years ago.

Sheffield City Council voted on Monday to pass a policy that bans "harmful" advertising, a move similar to one made by Norwich councillors in 2021.

Adblock Norwich was formed in 2021 and campaigns to remove "harmful" corporate ads from public spaces in the city, including those for fast food chains, smoking, gambling companies, airports and even hybrid cars.

Norwich Evening News: Matt White of Adblock Norwich has spoken about the importance of banning harmful advertising in the cityMatt White of Adblock Norwich has spoken about the importance of banning harmful advertising in the city (Image: Matt White)

Matt White, founder of Adblock Norwich, said: "This is incredible news, and Sheffield City Council must be commended for taking a bold lead on harmful advertising." 

However, Labour-led Norwich City Council has insisted it is fully engaged in the issue but that it is restricted from being able to make changes until 2026.

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Mr White is disappointed in the lack of action from Norwich City Council since it unanimously voted in favour of a similar motion in June 2021 though, tabled at City Hall by Green councillor Martin Schmierer.

Norwich Evening News: Green councillor Martin Schmierer had tabled the initial motion in 2021Green councillor Martin Schmierer had tabled the initial motion in 2021 (Image: Newsquest)

He continued: "Norwich had the chance to show real progressive leadership here. 

"Now that Sheffield has beaten them to it, surely this will expedite the work of Norwich, and other councils, in taking a stand against harmful ads."

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In response to Adblock, a City Hall spokesman said: "The city council currently has a contract with Clear Channel for advertising on bus shelters which runs until July 2026.

Norwich Evening News: City Hall in NorwichCity Hall in Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

"Our intention is to review the ethical advertising policy prior to the end of this contract as we currently have no influence over content.

"It is also worth noting that unlike many councils Norwich City Council undertakes very limited advertising. 

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"Advertising in the council’s Citizen magazine is carefully monitored to ensure it is ethical and responsible."

The spokesman added that the city council wrote to the Department of Culture Media and Sport last year calling for a ban on "unethical advertising" nationally.

Both Sheffield and Norwich councils have no majority party but Labour has the most councillors on both.