Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Customer and Digital attached.

RESOLVED (Unanimously)

That:

1.    Cabinet supports the adoption of the three year Digital Strategy.

2.    Cabinet notes the consultation undertaken to date to help inform the Strategy.

3.    Cabinet notes the arrangements for the effective implementation of the Strategy through the Digital to improve programme.

4.    Cabinet notes the allocation of resources within the Capital Programme to fund the Digital Strategy on the basis of invest to save principles.

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Customer and Digital that sought approval to adopt a three year Digital Strategy to establish a clear direction for how the Council will transform using Digital and technology over the coming years. The Strategy will support and enable the Council to deliver on the objectives of its Corporate Plan 2019/20 to 2022/23 and Medium Term Financial Strategy.

The Director of Customer and Digital accepted that its implementation was quite challenging given the timescales but that it was integral to the delivery of the Council’s transformational programme over the next few years.

In response to a member of the public querying as to why the Council had not already implemented a Digital Strategy it was explained that ICT is always changing and it is important for the Council to keep abreast of any changes. It was also recognised that improved use of technology would help the Council to deliver its growth agenda by being able to utilise staff in different ways.

Decision made (Unanimously)

That:

1.    Cabinet supports the adoption of the three year Digital Strategy.

2.    Cabinet notes the consultation undertaken to date to help inform the Strategy.

3.    Cabinet notes the arrangements for the effective implementation of the Strategy through the Digital to improve programme.

4.    Cabinet notes the allocation of resources within the Capital Programme to fund the Digital Strategy on the basis of invest to save principles.

Reason(s) for the decision:

The Digital Strategy directly supports projects aligned with the Corporate Plan priorities, as well as existing projects identified within the Medium Term Financial Strategy and Transformation agenda.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

1.     If the status quo was to be maintained, it is likely that the Council would miss the benefit of added value to its services together with wider promotion Digital inclusion, participation, and creating active citizens.

2.     The lack of an effective Digital Strategy presents risks to the Council’s delivery of the Corporate Plan and Transformation.