Minutes:
Committee
received the above report which outlined options for the future of the
Authority’s courier service to Councillors, set against the savings of £10,000
contained in the Forward Financial Plan.
Committee
considered, in depth, the proposals contained in the circulated report, whilst
taking into account the provisions of Schedule 12, Paragraph 4 of the Local
Government Act 1972 which states:
‘…a
summons to attend the meeting…shall, subject to sub-paragraph (3) below, be left at or sent to the usual place of
residence of every member of the Council.’
In evaluating the options put forward,
discussion centred on practical issues such as the provision of facilities and suitable
training to support Members should they rely on digitally distributed services.
After debating the matter it was proposed
that cost savings in the short term should be focussed on reducing the
requirement for overtime working, whilst a small number of Members pilot
digital options supported by Democratic Services and ICT.
RESOLVED:
a. That the Head of Legal Services explore whether
the delivery of Members mail could be undertaken during part of the normal
working day and not incur overtime costs; with any consequential savings being
set against the £10,000 already identified in the Forward Financial Plan.
b. That the Head of IT look further at the equipment,
support and training available to Members;
c. That the Head of Democratic Services
explore the possibility of providing ‘pigeon holes at the Neath Civic Centre,
to allow Members to collect any mail;
d. That all Members be given the opportunity
to take part in a pilot of Option 2, contained in the circulated report, but
that in the meantime officers implement a to c above;
e. That further update reports, in relation
to the above, be submitted to the next meeting.
Supporting documents: