To seek approval for a new Digital Strategy 2013/18 encompassing information management, technology, communications and engagement.

The Cabinet Member Corporate Services presented the report of the Assistant Director People, Policy and Partnership and reiterated the relevance and importance of the cost savings needed and noted the recommendations of the General Overview and Scrutiny Committee (GOSC). 

In discussion the following comments were made:

·         Important to use technology in the best way possible in the challenging financial situation as root and branch reviews were dependant on technology to make the savings.

·         Worked being carried out on consolidating a number of systems with more to be done.

·         Residents indicating that their communications with the Council were getting better.

·         Looking at consolidation of accommodation and enabling staff to work more flexibly and efficiently.

·         Looking at cheaper ways of storing information other than on a network.

·         Need to consider moving to personal gateways where people can set up their own web page and access information on services and link with partner organisations to deliver services differently.

·         It was requested that the budget for the digital strategy was ring fenced.

·         It was also stated that the Council needed to ensure that those people without access to digital equipment did not feel excluded.

RESOLVED

          THAT:

a)    the Digital Strategy 2013/18 be approved; and

b)    the Commercial & Commissioning Board ensure that the principles with the strategy inform future commissioning arrangements.