Agenda item

To receive the report of the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support and the Chief Digital and Information Officer which sets out the progress made in responding to the recommendations arising from the scrutiny inquiry Powering up the Leeds Economy through Digital Inclusion.

The Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support and the Chief Digital and Information Officer submitted a report which set out the progress made in responding to the recommendations arising from the scrutiny inquiry Powering up the Leeds Economy through Digital Inclusion.

The following information was appended to the report:

-  Appendix 1- Recommendation tracking flowchart and classifications

-  Appendix 2- An update on progress in relation to Powering up the Leeds Economy through Digital Inclusion

-  Appendix 3- The 100% Digital Leeds Board Draft Terms of Reference

The following representatives were in attendance to respond to Members queries and comments:

-  Richard Hart, Deputy Head of Service (Citizens and Communities)

-  Jason Tutin, Digital & Learning Development Manager

-  Councillor James Lewis, Executive Member for Resources & Strategy

The key areas of discussion were:

·  Progress made in responding to the recommendations arising from the scrutiny inquiry ‘Powering up the Leeds Economy through Digital Inclusion’.

·  Detail regarding mechanisms in place to increase Digital Inclusion in areas which lack sufficient infrastructure.

·  The need for ‘Leeds’ based research to be collated in relation to Digital Inclusion in order to reduce reliance upon national  data.

·  Clarity regarding the progress of the 6G Internexus Ltd pilot at Cottingley Towers.  Intention to gather market responses before end of March 2017. 

·  Clarity regarding digital support available for micro-businesses within Leeds.

·  The desire to deliver 5-6 Digital Inclusion events across the city which promote/encourage digital growth and increase understanding of local digital barriers. The Board suggested working with Area Teams/Community Committees.

·  The opportunity to increase outreach of Digital Inclusion survey to 30,000+ responses per year through inclusion in library services, job shop registrations, adult learning courses enrolment and annual housing survey. 

·  Clarity regarding Digital Inclusion mechanisms in place to support BME groups and address language barriers across the city.

·  Commitment to improve the digital skills of council staff in order to increase advocates for Digital Inclusion. Clarity sought regarding current progress and resources in place to support this commitment.

·  The need for digital capabilities to be included within relevant job descriptions and discussions to be held with unions regarding the potential for additional working responsibilities.

·  Clarity sought surrounding plans for upcoming Tablet lending Scheme pilot in relation to geographic location and potential cohort.

·  Clarity sought regarding the resources available to support prospective ‘100% Digital Leeds’ Board, chaired by Cllr James Lewis.

The status of recommendations were agreed as follows:

·  Recommendation 1 – Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable. Continue monitoring).

·  Recommendation 2 – Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable. Continue monitoring).

·  Recommendation 3 – Not fully implemented (Obstacle). Plan in place to resolve therefore Board will continue monitoring.

·  Recommendation 4– Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable. Continue monitoring).

·  Recommendation 5 – Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable. Continue monitoring).

·  Recommendation 6– Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable. Continue monitoring).

·  Recommendation 7– Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable. Continue monitoring).

·  Recommendation 8– Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable. Continue monitoring).

·  Recommendation 9– Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable. Continue monitoring).

·  Recommendation 10– Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable. Continue monitoring).

·  Recommendation 11 – Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable. Continue monitoring).

·  Recommendation 12 – Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable. Continue monitoring).

·  Recommendation 13 – Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable. Continue monitoring).

·  Recommendation 14 – Not fully implemented (Progress made acceptable. Continue monitoring).

RESOLVED –

(a)  The Scrutiny Board noted the contents of the report of Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support and the Chief Digital and Information Officer and the verbal information presented.

(b)  The recommendation statuses above were approved.