Councillors look to get laptops as well as iPads to help them run Zoom and view documents at same time

Wrexham Council’s Democratic Services Committee is set to discuss a recommendation that could pave the way for councillors to get an additional device as well as their iPads.

Due to the pandemic councillors have been holding meetings via Zoom and other video conferencing services, something some have struggled with due to following the meeting itself as well as trying to view documents at the same time.

Due to this one solution being put forward is that councillors are given a second device, a laptop.

The report before councillors explains: “Over the past few months during the Covid outbreak Members have been using a variety of Council and personal equipment to continue their ward/Council roles and to attend virtual meetings.

“It is clear that this situation is going to continue well into next year and as such, there is a need to offer the option of additional ICT kit to enable Members to continue to do business in the most efficient way. ”

Due to the pandemic a ICT update to move towards more cloud based working has been delayed, meaning iPad software has not been updating and there has been an ‘inability to deploy new applications to these devices’.

To do the full update the report states a full iPad wipe will take place for all councillor devices, with it noted that might mean ‘photos and blackberry work folders that may have been created locally will be lost as part of the process’ but no emails should be lost.

For those struggling to use Zoom, Microsoft Teams or the like, and who do not have a suitable personal device, it is possible the council will “upon request” provide a laptop to those Members that do not currently have access to a personal device to facilitate this.

Some councillors were first give iPads in 2012 as part of a review into ICT provision at Wrexham Council, with a wider refresh after the local elections in May 2017 – with eyebrows raised at the cost of the devices, and £1400 being spent on cases for the devices.

It is unclear if these will be new devices, or if it would use other devices like the recent refurbishment of old laptops alongside new Chromebook roll out to children by the Education Department.

There is no budget or cost associated with the proposed move, with the report pointing to savings made by virtual working to cover any costs.

The committee will meet on Wednesday the 2nd of December to consider the pre-written recommendation that “Members note that iPad software will be updated and that all Members are offered laptops”.