Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - Port Talbot Civic Centre. View directions

Items
No. Item

1.

Declarations of Interests

Minutes:

The following Members made declarations of interest:

 

Councillor D.W.Davies

Re:

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Digital Officer in relation to the Strategic Equality Plan 2017-2019, as he is a Trustee of the Neath Port Talbot Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Community Association.

Councillor S.Rahaman

Re:

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Digital Officer in relation to the Strategic Equality Plan 2017-2019, as he is a Trustee on the Neath Port Talbot Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Community Association.

 

2.

Pre-Scrutiny

Minutes:

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:-

 

Cabinet Board Proposals

 

2.1     Smart and Connected - A Revised Digital Strategy

 

Members received the final version of the Digital Strategy – Smart and Connected, following feedback from the public consultation on the draft version of the Strategy, as detailed within the circulated report.

 

Members queried how the Authority would deliver this strategy to ensure it was fit for purpose. Officers explained a delivery plan would be developed which would contain more detail on how the Strategy would be delivered within the resources available.

 

Members queried how many responses were received during the consultation period. Officers informed Members that there were a range of different methods used to gather feedback from the consultation and confirmed all consulted parties were listed on page 22 of the circulated report.

 

Members shared concerns that the strategy would encourage officers to work from home when they are not fit enough to attend work.

 

Members queried the reference to a Citizens Account. Officers explained it was a portal the public could use. Following sign up a member of the public would be able to access services, however when accessing personal information it would require a password for security reasons.

 

Members questioned whether officers had considered how people with disabilities were able to access online services. Officers informed Members that there was technology available such as voice technology for people to use.

 

Members queried whether online sites would be accessed via a mobile application or website. Officers clarified that any future developments would now be available through all methods.

 

Members questioned what procedures were in place for those that did not have English as a first language, Members referred to Syrian refugees as an example. Officers confirmed that there was specific support available to support Syrian refugees and if there were any specific families that were struggling, this would need to be discussed separately with the Assistant Chief Executive and Chef Digital Officer outside of the meeting.

 

Members queried if there were any safeguarding measures in place to prevent any hacks or viruses via internet usage. Officers informed Members that there were preventative measures in place to protect users when using the internet within the Council’s premises. However, when the internet was accessed via a tablet device it was then more difficult to protect. Officers added that if there was a breach there were ways of auditing events to view where errors had occurred.

 

Members questioned whether the Authority could deliver IT skills in communities with the partners referenced within the Strategy. Officers explained when grants were awarded to organisations via the Council’s Third Sector Grants Scheme it would provide an opportunity to review the impacts and strengthen the way the Authority worked with the organisations, which would then identify funding and any training requirements.

 

Members questioned the longevity of the Strategy and queried whether the Authority had considered the impact of the Strategy in 25 years’ time. Officers explained that it was set in the Well-being of Future Generations  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

3.

Forward Work Programme 18/19 pdf icon PDF 102 KB

Minutes:

The Committee noted the Forward Work Programme.

4.

Access to Meetings

To resolve to exclude the public for the following items pursuant to Regulation 4 (3) and (5) of Statutory Instrument 2001 No.2290 and the relevant exempt paragraphs of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972