Councillors to get state-of-the-art tablets and smart phones

Torfaen council is to issue high-tech equipment to its 44 councillors to help them carry out their role effectively as their laptops and phones are no longer seen as being “fit for purpose”.

The Labour council expects to spend around £400 on each tablet.

However, a council spokesman stressed that the local authority did not plan to purchase 44 tablets in bulk and would instead replace councillors’ laptops when it became necessary, adding this could take several years.

As a matter of priority, the 44 councillors are to be given smart phones, which will allow members to have access to their emails and calendars “on the move”.

The council has not chosen the smart phones yet so was unable to provide costs for the devices.

The planned upgrade follows a successful pilot which saw 12 councillors try smart phones and tablets such as iPhones, iPads and Nokia Lumias last year.

Torfaen council democratic services committee approved the IT upgrade in principle this month but it is still to be the subject of a final decision to be made by the council.

Torfaen council stressed that the investment would be covered by existing budgets and that would be not additional costs.

A council spokesman said: “The significant advances and reducing costs of new technology have created lots of opportunities to improve and modernise the way councillors carry out their ward and democratic duties on behalf of residents.

“The recommendation is that once councillors’ existing laptops require replacing –which can take several years – they are offered a choice of a new laptop or tablet.

“The costs of this including the necessary software and licences will be around £400.

“The council is not going out and buying 44 iPads for councillors.

“As that equipment reaches the end of its life, it is recommended that they have a choice of either a laptop/tablet. There is no additional costs – it’s just part of our ongoing ICT running costs.”