Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors S.M. Allen, J.K. Howell and T. Devichand.

There were no declarations of personal interest.

There were no declarations of prohibited party whips.

No public questions had been received.

The Committee considered a report which detailed the progress being achieved in implementing the Council’s ICT Strategy 2015-18, as approved by the Executive Board at its meeting held on the 15^th December, 2014 in relation to the following five themes:

Theme 1 - Giving Citizens better access to Council Services;

Theme 2 - Promoting Digital Inclusion;

Theme 3 - Supporting Business Efficiency;

Theme 4 - Sharing Information and Joining up services;

Theme 5 - Supporting Schools and Education.

The Committee noted that in September 2016 a Digital Transformation Steering Board had been established and it had been agreed that the ICT Strategy 2015-18 required a significant review in light of new emerging technologies and that a new Digital Transformation Strategy [minute 6 below refers] would be written that set out the Councils strategic digital priorities and aspirations. This was, therefor, the final update report on the ICT Strategy 2015-2018.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be received.

The Committee considered a proposed Digital Transformation Strategy 2017-20 setting out the Council’s strategic digital priorities and aspirations and outlining what the Council planned to do to achieve its vision for a Digital Carmarthenshire. The Strategy, which the Executive Board would be asked to approval at its meeting on the 2^nd May 2017, provided clarity on

·         Our digital vision for Carmarthenshire;

·         What is a Digital Transformation Strategy;

·         Building the Digital Foundations in Carmarthenshire;

·         Key Priority Areas:

o  Digital Customer Services;

o  Digital Workforce;

o  Digital Communities & Business;

o  Digital Collaboration;

·         Key Projects to be delivered;

·         Resources required to deliver the Digital vision.

The following issues were raised during consideration of the Strategy:

·         The view was expressed that whilst the Strategy included references to residents and the Council’s workforce there should also be reference to elected members. The Head of ICT agreed to take this on board prior to final approval of the strategy;

·         The hope was expressed that increased digitalisation would not result in the Council’s interaction and contact with the public becoming de-humanised;

·         Whilst the Strategy was welcomed concern was expressed that broadband coverage in some parts of the County remained poor. The Head of ICT responded that this was actively being pursued with BT and included the provision of broadband to schools. It was considered that Welsh Government also had a role to play in applying pressure on BT regarding the roll-out of superfast broadband.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Strategy be endorsed subject to the inclusion of reference to elected members.

The Committee received the Non-Submission report.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be noted.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on the 22^nd March 2017 be signed as a correct record.