Agenda item

Cynnydd a'r Camau Nesaf

With the aid of a Power Point Presentation, the Service Director- ICT & Digital Services, provided Members with an overview of the Council’s Digital Strategy 2017-20, the progress of its associated work programme and consideration of its future direction.

The Service Director reminded Members of the requirement to bring forward a new Digital Strategy for 2020-24, aligned with the new Corporate Plan. Members were advised that it is an opportunity for the Finance and Performance Scrutiny Committee to assess and review the progress made against the current strategy and to provide feedback on any areas of priority or refocus, which can be considered as part of the development of a new strategy. 

The Service Director informed Members that the Committee would have opportunity to pre-scrutinise the Draft Digital Strategy in January 2020 and the Committee’s feedback would be included in the Draft Strategy to be presented to Cabinet in February 2020.

Following the update, the Service Director sought feedback from the Committee and the views of Members are noted below.

Councillor Bradwick sought clarification on a number of issues, which are listed below in numerical order:-

1.    He began by seeking clarification on the number of staff using the agile working policy;

2.    Councillor Bradwick praised the roll out of the Mod Gov App, however, he queried whether members from outside bodies, such as the Fire Service, could also have use of the application;

3.    In respect of Apps, Councillor Bradwick queried whether an app could be produced for Members use only;

4.    In respect of the Customer Relationship Management System (CRM), it was noted that some departments are slower than others when responding to customer complaints;

5.    In respect of mileage claims, Councillor Bradwick sought clarification as to why this cannot be done online; and,

6.    In respect of waste collections of bulky items, Councillor Bradwick questioned why residents cannot make changes to waste collection requests online.

The Service Director informed Members that there are approximately 13,000 staff members using the Council’s agile working policy and that this is likely to increase. In respect of outside bodies using the Mod Gov App, the Service Director confirmed that it is possible for outside bodies to be included on the App, however, the contract is between Mod Gov and the user and as such it is preferable to create a direct contractual link between the user and Mod Gov. In respect of a Members App, the Service Director confirmed that this is currently being developed and is something that the Council could use to offer a range of services to its Elected Members. With regard to the CRM, the Service Director confirmed that the procurement of a modernised CRM will increase its customer care. Additionally, in relation to online waste collection services, the Service Director confirmed that he will raise this point with the Group Director, Prosperity Development & Frontline Services. In respect of online mileage claims, the Service Director informed Members that the Council is in the process of procuring a new HR system, which will allow Members to submit their expenses online.

With regard to outside bodies being on Mod Gov, Councillor G. Thomas commented that the National Parks are on Mod Gov and referenced Bridgend County Borough Council and its work on the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal. The Service Director – ICT & Digital Services emphasised that it is based on the contractual relationship between Mod Gov and its user and that Bridgend Council have their own Mod Gov licence. 

Discussions ensued and Councillor Cullwick raised concerns in respect of the increased use of online self-service and its effect on the older generation. The Service Director agreed that some people still prefer face to face contact and noted the importance of including this as part of RCT’s Draft Digital Strategy.

Councillor G. Thomas raised a further concern in respect of remote areas where Wi-Fi access is limited. The Service Director confirmed that the Council does encourage and assist companies in respect of planning permission to run fibre broadband. However, the Service Director noted that, unfortunately, private companies will only prioritise the areas which they see as being commercially important to them.

The Voting Elected Parent/ Governor Representative raised his concerns in respect of the disparity between broadband infrastructures in schools across the County Borough. In respect of producing efficiency savings, the Voting Elected Parent/ Governor Representative queried where these savings are being made in RCT. A further query was also raised in respect of town centre Wi-Fi and whether this was being provided as a 4G or 5G network. The Voting Elected Parent/ Governor Representative also sought further information as to the Council’s monitoring policy on cyber-crime.

The Service Director- ICT & Digital Services answered each question in numerical order. In relation to the Council’s infrastructure in schools, the Service Director confirmed that the Council is looking to develop a school ICT strategy holistically in order to get every school to the same level of access. In terms of efficiency savings, the Service Director informed Members that there is currently no set target and that comparative research is being conducted to see the approach being taken by other Local Authorities. The Service Director informed Members that RCT will continue to provide Heads of Service areas with the necessary tools to deliver efficiency savings and will continue to take a pragmatic approach. In respect of Wi-Fi in town centres, the Service Director advised the Committee that RCT are using standard outdoor Wi-Fi and that RCT operates on a 100-200mg circuit in its town centres. In respect of cyber-crime, Members were informed that cyber-crime has become more prevalent, however, Members were reassured that RCT has a good governance and good technology controls in place and will often be accredited by outside bodies.

Following discussion, Members RESOLVED to agree to receive the updated and draft Digital Strategy for 2020-2024 for the purpose of pre-scrutiny prior to its presentation to Cabinet.