Agenda item

This report sets out the draft Digital Strategy 2022-26 for agreement. The draft strategy builds on the 2019-23 strategy that was agreed in October 2019. The report also presents an Outline Business Case (OBC) for an extension of the Digital Programme to 2026 and the capital investment required to deliver the strategy.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)     To agrees the Digital Strategy 2022-26 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

(2)     To agree the Outline Business Case as set out in Appendix 2 of the report with the funding identified to deliver the programme.

(3)     To approve the establishment of a Business Support Fund as set out in Appendix 2 and Section 3.19 of the report.

(4)     To delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Customer and Digital Services in consultation with the Lead Member for Resources to agree eligibility criteria for the Business Support Fund.

(5)     To delegate to the Strategic Director of Customer and Digital Services authority to administer and award assistance from the Business Support Fund.

Councillor McLennan (Deputy Leader & Lead Member for Resources) introduced the report presenting the Draft Digital Strategy 2022-26 and Outline Business Case for an extension of the Digital Programme to 2026 along with the capital investment required to deliver the Strategy.

In considering the report Cabinet noted that the 2022-26 Strategy had been designed to build on the outcomes, savings and efficiencies delivered through the previous 2019-23 Strategy.  In noting the key achievements delivered through the 2019-23 Strategy to date, as set out within section 3.4 of the report, the crucial role that digital technology had played as part of the response to the Covid 19 pandemic was also highlighted alongside the ongoing support digital transformation was providing in relation to delivery of the Council’s core strategic objectives.  Whilst recognising the positive impact of digital transformation, members were also aware of the impact the pandemic had had in serving to expose wider inequalities, including those related to digital exclusion, which the 2022-26 Strategy had also been designed to address

Members also noted the details provided within the Outline Business Case (attached as Appendix 2 to the report) on the level of investment required to support delivery of the Strategy along with the potential savings arising from the programme and details of priority projects and technology investments, with the key themes and supporting benefits detailed within section 3.11 of the report.  The core capital investment required to deliver the Strategy had been identified as £9.3m with total cumulative savings of £14.8m being forecast after Year 4 along with an estimated recurring annual saving of £3.9m after 3 years based on new enabling and efficiency savings.  In addition, members were advised of £4.2m being sought in relation to the Business Support Fund and provision of up to 8,000 devices identified to support connectivity for digitally excluded households.  The Outline Business Case also included a cost benefit analysis in terms of the identified programme, which included support for a range of social investment and potential future savings being included as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy covering 2023-26.

In supporting and welcoming the Strategy, members were keen to recognise the wide ranging benefits associated with the programme.  These not only included the efforts being made to address digital exclusion but also to improve the way in which data was provided and shared to support the planning, development and delivery of service improvements and to provide the necessary digital infrastructure and skills to support the local economy and business, whilst also supporting a healthier, safer and cleaner borough.  As part of the approach outlined, members also highlighted the need to engage closely with key strategic partners, such as health providers, to ensure a joined up approach towards the digital experience provided for all service users.

Having thanked officers for their work to develop the Strategy and noted the significant economic and social benefits which would accompany its delivery alongside the Council’s core strategic priorities, Cabinet RESOLVED having noted the information provided within the exempt appendix of the report:

(1)     To agree the Digital Strategy 2022-26 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

(2)     To agree the Outline Business Case as set out in Appendix 2 of the report with the funding identified to deliver the programme.

(3)     To approve the establishment of a Business Support Fund as set out in Appendix 2 and Section 3.19 of the report.

(4)     To delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Customer and Digital Services in consultation with the Lead Member for Resources to agree eligibility criteria for the Business Support Fund.

(5)     To delegate to the Strategic Director of Customer and Digital Services authority to administer and award assistance from the Business Support Fund.