Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Thomas introduced the report which outlined the outcome following the review undertaken by Audit Wales on the Council’s digital strategy throughout the Summer of 2023, where auditors reviewed all relevant documentation and interviewed key officers and Cabinet Members.  The primary focus of the audit was the extent to which the Digital Strategy was developed in accordance with the sustainable development principle, thereby ensuring that it would help to secure value for money in the use of the Council’s resources.

The Final Report had been returned to the Council with four key recommendations to assist in ensuring it secured value for money.  Officers had reviewed the recommendations and had devised proposed actions for approval by Cabinet, as outlined within the report.

The Chief Officer (Governance) outlined that the current digital strategy (Digital Flintshire 2021-2026) incorporated the Council’s learning, experiences, growth and ambition since it was first published in 2016 and the Council had made good progress in delivering the aims set out, which at the time of implementation focused on making improvements to the delivery and availability of the Council’s services to residents, with initial focus around increasing the level of self-service opportunities for residents.

The Action Plan was presented to the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 19^th July, with no feedback to provide to Cabinet.  In relation to the Action Plan, a pragmatic approach had been taken to identify which recommendations could add value to the Council as an organisation. 

The Chief Officer reported on the findings and recommendations of the final report from Audit Wales and the response from the Council, which was detailed within the report. 

RESOLVED:

That the action plan be approved.