Agenda item

The Scrutiny Officer presented the report to the Committee, which assessed progress against the recommendations to date for the Review of Members’ ICT & Support and ICT Service Delivery.

The Committee had put together 13 recommendations to the Executive with the intent to assist the Council in improving equipment provision and support to Members and the operation of meeting spaces within a modern post-COVID-19 environment.

12 out of 13 recommendations had been achieved at the writing of the report:

• 7 within the target date;
• 5 completed behind schedule; and
• 1 had been extended.

For CSSC22-23 1.4, the Committee was informed this would not be extended.  While the installation of the new AV equipment in the Chamber over March and April 2025 would be achieved, the power supply was not planned to be upgraded.

For CSSC22-23 1.5, the provision of additional access to the Council’s intranet to Members would not be carried out (there was limited use for Members on this network).  However, it was conveyed that Members could make full use of the Council’s telephony system, MiCollab, to contact any officer.

For CSSC22-23 1.9, as previously stated the new AV equipment was being installed in the Chamber over March and April 2025.

A progress report would be submitted in 6 to 12 months’ time, with any exceptions to expected delivery highlighted.

Officers were informed by Members that accessing Council documents via the use of the provided Apple iPads, or even writing emails and making use of Microsoft Word on these devices, remained unreliable outside of The Arc.  The Scrutiny Officer noted, with the approaching 2025/26 municipal year, Members’ ICT equipment could be further reviewed, though it was noted with the Local Government Reorganisation, this might not be cost effective if the Council was dissolved in the next few years.

A Member noted it was stated that CSSC22-23 1.3 had been achieved, but as previously discussed there was no adequate PC/laptop provision to Members (outside the Executive).  There was also no desktop PC available for Members to use in the Members’ Room (there was no Members’ Room).

The Scrutiny Officer informed this item had been listed as achieved in November 2023, before recruitment by the Council.

The Strategic Director of Services confirmed awareness of Members’ ICT issues: the Apple iPads had not performed as expected, with both poor 4G connection and limited capability.  ICT was exploring the use of a Microsoft Windows powered tablet that would enable high portability for convenience and full access to Microsoft’s Office and Outlook software.

The Assistant Director for Streetscene, Community Safety and Enforcement added ICT was rolling out additional changes to Microsoft Office 365, which would enable easier access to essential software.

It was requested if, with no Members’ Room available, a PC laptop be provided in the Independent Members’ Office for all Members outside the Executive to use.  The Scrutiny Officer reiterated Members’ ICT could be reviewed further in 2025/26.

Moved by Councillor Sandra Peake and seconded by Councillor Amanda Davis

RESOLVED that: 1) Members note the progress against the review recommendations;

2)    Members acknowledge any exceptions to delivery and clarify the additional action required by the service;

3)    Members make its report and findings public, in accordance with Part 4.5.17(4) of the Council’s Constitution;

4)    Officers continue to implement the recommendations and submit a further report in twelve months’ time highlighting progress and any exceptions to delivery.