Issue - meetings

This report provides details of the strategic plans for a rolling programme of ICT works in line with the Four Year Corporate Plan and the funding details for the 2022/23 financial year.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved by majority vote, with 7 votes for, 1 against and 1 abstention to:

(1)          Agree funding of £250,000 from the capital programme for the ICT programme of works for the 2022/23 financial year

The Committee received a report providing details of the strategic plans for a rolling programme of ICT works in line with the Four Year Corporate Plan and the funding details for the 2022/23 financial year.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Wording of ICT Roadmap. The Committee noted that the wording “where appropriate” was included within some elements of the ICT Roadmap 2020-24. Following a question from a Member, the Committee was informed by the ICT Manager that a decision on these matters would be taken by officers using the expert knowledge of external organisations and with consideration of the relevant costs.

b)            Delivery of CRM Replacement and website upgrade projects. Following a question from a Member, the ICT Manager informed the Committee that the Council’s project management toolkit was currently being reviewed, and would be used to manage these projects to ensure that they were delivered to time, cost and quality.

c)            Funding. The Committee noted that it was estimated that the four year ICT Roadmap would require a continual investment of £250,000 per year, subject to annual approval by the Committee. The Committee also noted if further funding was required a further report would be presented to the Committee for consideration.

d)            Capital expenditure. Following a question from a Member, the Head of Finance informed the Committee that it was acceptable to use capital budget funds for the implementation of software systems where the Council would receive a benefit over a number of years. The annual software licensing costs would be funded from revenue budgets.

e)            Platform for website upgrade. Following a question from a Member, the ICT Manager informed the Committee that a decision on the platform for the website upgrade had not yet been taken.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved by majority vote, with 7 votes for, 1 against and 1 abstention to:

(1)          Agree funding of £250,000 from the capital programme for the ICT programme of works for the 2022/23 financial year