Issue - meetings

Report CSD22034

The report updated Members on provision for hybrid meetings given recent upgrades in equipment in the Council Chamber, and set out proposals for Members’ IT provision from May 2022 onwards for approval. The aim was to equip Members for their role with the most appropriate equipment with access to the latest systems and security features and the most efficient levels of support. Priority would need to be given to equipping new Councillors, but the IT equipment issued to returning Members would also be upgraded in a second phase across the summer.

A Member commented that what he needed was to receive Council emails on his own smart-phone, and officers confirmed that this should be possible. Another Member commented that printers should be provided to Members – printers could be provided on request where necessary.

The report did not make a recommendation on whether live-streaming of meetings should be resumed, but the Chairman suggested that this could be considered by Members in the new Council year.

RESOLVED that

(1)  The Committee notes the provision of updated equipment and facilities in the Council Chamber, and the advice around hybrid meetings set out in this report.

(2)  New Councillors will be offered a standard Council laptop with the latest software and security features.

(3)  The reserve options of a Council iPad or BYOD connection remain available for those Councillors who choose not to opt for a standard laptop.

(4)  Returning Councillors will be migrated to the same new equipment and software after new Members have been equipped.

(5)  The desktop PCs in the Members Room be replaced with more modern PCs and docking stations for laptops.

(6)  A Council smart-phone should be available if required to all Members.