To receive a further update regarding the IT strategy and consider measures to mitigate departmental pressures.

The Chief Information Officer delivered a presentation regarding the Council’s IT Strategy, which detailed updates including lessons learned, Voicedial figures and the aims and objectives until December 2017, enabling access to full digital services online and a whole Council transformation. Members were provided with details of the back office systems available to customers, the Council’s investment strategy with regards to funding of IT services and the impact of government legislation changes to Council operations.

In light of the presentation Members queried process with regards to customers who did not have access to or did not wish to utilise online services. In response the Executive Member acknowledged that there would always be a core customer base who preferred traditional methods of communication and access to services and in those instances they would be supported appropriately.

Members expressed a desire to ensure security and cost savings were a focus for the Directorate and the Executive Member confirmed that cost saving details were listed in the budget report.

RECOMMENDED that the positive direction of the IT Strategy be acknowledged and that an update be brought to the Committee in Spring 2016 with a focus on IT security and cost saving measures.