Issue - meetings

Report CSD17037

Members considered a post completion review into the Joint Web Platform project to upgrade the Council’s corporate website.

The scheme completed within budget and the original contract programme was met. Appended information to Report CSD17037 provided a full analysis of the project.

A Member observed that although website visits by mobile phone had increased, less visits were made via desktops with the number of visits by tablet relatively static. As such, there appeared to be no real change in the number of website visits between January 2014 and November 2016. Another Member sought evidence that the new website had contributed significantly towards general efficiency and channel shift across areas of the Council. The Chairman felt that a number of post completion reviews presented to the meeting could provide more detail; it was necessary to consider the original contract and identify lessons for the future. Another Member questioned an earlier decision to move from a Microsoft based website to an open-sourced product suggesting the site could be more vulnerable as a result. The Member asked whether a risk assessment had been made. Another Member suggested that common platforms are susceptible to hacking but it was more about the speed and responsiveness of updates and firewall effectiveness. 

In view of the level of Council services now delivered electronically, an enquiry was made on the proportion of households in the borough having internet access. A written response was requested although census figures were understood to indicate a high level of internet connection.

Providing more website services was an ongoing process. L B Harrow provided an example with significant progress made on channel shift. The Council could channel shift more services as could the Council’s service providers but it was necessary to consider how to encourage the providers to do so. A Member highlighted the response time for some online orders, referring to a near four-week wait for a waste/recycling bin delivery and a one-week wait for a Controlled Parking Zone Permit. As clerical activity is needed to complete an order the system was considered to be only half working.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to endorse the findings of the Post Completion Review for the Joint Web Platform project.