Issue - meetings

To consider the recommendations of the most recent meetings of the Member Development Steering Group.

(Report attached – Colour version of Appendix 2 under separate cover to Committee Members)

The Committee considered a number of recommendations that had arisen out of recent meetings of the Member Development Steering Group. Members required a degree of clarification as to the  practical implications of the different options that were being made available in respect of Councillors’ ICT provision. The main issue was around the extent to which the individual Councillor might rely on the use of their own ICT equipment and the corresponding level of technical support to which they might then be entitled.

The budget which had been set aside for Members ICT was discussed in the context of the present financial situation. The point was made that the budget set aside for this purpose represented a worst case scenario and the actual draw on the funds was expected to be considerably lower as many Members would choose to use either some or all of their own equipment. The provision of Blackberries to key Members was defended in that they would significantly improve the ability of Councillors to conduct their business at relatively little cost, thus contributing to the effective management of the Council.

In respect of the Member Development Programme, the need to make certain aspects of the training mandatory was considered. Whilst it was acknowledged that all Members could not make all training events, it was made clear that alternative arrangements could be made in such instances. Furthermore, it was argued that the taking on of the role of Councillor implied a certain amount of responsibility, including the need to ensure that one was in a position to carry out the role to the best of one’s ability, including through the acceptance of training opportunities.

Members noted the proposed changes to the social networking arrangements.

Member Development Programme 2011/12

RESOLVED that

1)         subject to clarification from Officers on the inclusion of the Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Panel amongst those bodies for which compulsory training was required, the programme be endorsed;

Members’ ICT Facilities – Policy

RECOMMENDED that,

2)         the policy, as attached to the report, be adopted and the proposals it contains be implemented for the municipal year 2011/12; and

Social Networking

RESOLVED that

3)         this change of position be noted.