Issue - meetings

Council considered a report presented by Councillor Clive Moesby Portfolio Holder – Resources, which sought approval for the purchase of new audio-visual equipment to make the council chamber fit for purpose. It was confirmed that this was project was instigated in response to recommendations submitted to the Executive following the scrutiny review of Member’s ICT and support and ICT Service Delivery.

The Executive had approved a key finding requesting an urgent review of the ICT equipment in the chamber and meeting rooms and further feedback was received from a Member’s working group which confirmed that members were experiencing issues with the quality of the microphones and sound quality of the speakers. 

The existing audio visual equipment was over 9 years old and no longer manufactured or supported and could not be configured to enable automatic streaming or recording. It was therefore proposed to procure a new solution and a demonstration of a possible solution was provided to the Leader, Deputy Leader, Senior Managers and Governance in May 2024. 

This project was likely to cost in the region of £180,000 which would be financed from the Council’s ICT Reserve. The maintenance of the system would be £5,000 per annum which would be added as a cost to the Council’s General Fund.

Moved by Councillor Clive Moesby and seconded by Councillor Steve Fritchley

RESOLVED that approval be given:

(1)        to fund the purchase of audio-visual equipment to make the Council Chamber fit-for-purpose with a budget of £180,000 from the ICT Reserve; and

(2)    to increase the revenue budget by £5,000 per annum to cover the maintenance of the system.