Support pledge on iPads as paperless plan is postponed

COUNCILLORS expressed misgivings about adopting a new paperless way of working in Carmarthenshire, but have voted to fully embrace their iPads.

The new paperless system was proposed to come into force next January but has now been postponed to September 2019.

The 74 members were bought iPads three years ago to save on printing and postage costs, and support was given to a motion to “move as soon as possible to a paperless system of communication” to help mitigate budget cuts.

But since then only a handful have opted not to receive printed versions of things like agendas and minutes.

Councillor Suzy Curry, chairwoman of the democratic services committee, told full council that IT software and hardware had been bought at a “considerable cost”.

She added: “I think if we are going to keep our iPads, we have a duty to the public purse not to waste money.”

She said some councillors would need more support than others, that training sessions would be arranged, and that the new system would not be forced on anyone with a visual impairment.

“We need the skills and confidence to work electronically,” she said.

And she added that the democratic services committee had requested a report on the usage of the iPads to see whether the council was getting value for money.

The iPads cost £37,596, with a further £28,510 spent on software.

Councillor Sharen Davies said she felt there was a lack of information, assessments and legal implications of going paperless, and insisted that everybody’s individual need would need to be met.

Councillor Jean Lewis said she agreed with the principle of going paperless but questioned the practicality.

“What about councillors who live in areas where the wi-fi is not sufficient?” she said.

Councillor Andre McPherson said he supported the proposal fully.

“We have got to move into the 21st Century,” he said.

Councillor Derek Cundy said the IT systems would have to be consistent and reliable, while councillor Rob Evans suggested that agendas were projected onto the large screen at the front of the chamber.

Councillor Darren Price said you could make notes on agendas on iPads using an app, and added: “We are now in 2018 – the days of paper are coming to an end, unfortunately, and I think we need to step into the future.”

Meanwhile, councillor Alun Lenny said it was very important that colleagues on the planning committee were comfortable with iPads given that they made decisions on “developments worth millions of pounds”.

Councillor Linda Evans added: “Possibly three-quarters of the chamber is quite similar to me.

“I’m a bit scared, really, that we have these new things.

“Perhaps we should be doing this gradually.”

Before members voted, council chief executive Mark James, pictured, said help could be given to those whose home wi-fi was slow, and full training would be provided. “It would be useful to do a full personal assessment in terms of your IT ability,” he added.

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