Decision details

The Director of Resources submitted a report presenting the Leeds City Digital Strategy which provided an overview of the aims and priorities of the strategy, detailed the collaborative approach taken in the development of the strategy and referenced how it aligned to the Best City Ambition and the three pillars within that.

As part of the introduction to the report, the Board received further information on the key principles of the strategy, whilst Members also noted the extensive consultation which had been undertaken as part of its development and the fact that it had been written from a ‘whole city’ perspective.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the range of actions being taken by the Council and partners to ensure that the digital sector and the opportunities arising from it were inclusive and accessible to all.

Members acknowledged the 18-month timeframe for the associated innovation programme.

On the issue of connectivity, a Member suggested that more isolated and harder to reach communities were prioritised during the roll out of the 5G network and also the provision of super-fast broadband. In response, the Board acknowledged the vital importance of quality connectivity in all communities across the city and the challenges faced in some settings, and as such, it was noted that a collaborative approach on such matters would continue. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the approach being outlined in the digital strategy, the digital transformation approach and the innovation programme, as detailed within the submitted report and appendices, be supported;

(b)  That the Leeds City Digital Strategy, as detailed within the submitted report and appendices, be approved, and that agreement be given for the strategy to be published.