The Executive Head for Information Servicespresented the budget proposals for the business unit to the Board.

The Board advised that they understood that there is a renewals fund for IT equipment and questioned whether, given office rationalisation and reduced staffing numbers is was still appropriate to keep this fund at existing levels.

The Board were advised that the fund has been built up over the last 12 years. They were advised that the Council currently holds IT assets (computers etc) worth £5 million and that the Councils IT infrastructure was worth £3 million, therefore the renewals fund currently held was proportionate.

The Board were also advised that some of the money held in the fund would also be used to support council wide change projects such as the Productivity Improvement Programme Council Design Project.

The Board questioned whether the reduction in the training and supervision budget would adversely affect the service customers receive from our customer service centre. The Board were advised that there is only a £3,000 reduction proposed here and that it would not affect the service.

The Board questioned how much the internal print service currently cost the council per annum. They were advised that it cost the Council £930k however it also generates £230k income per annum. The Board were advised that there is the potential to generate more income through this service and that this is being investigated.

To discuss the Revenue Budget 2012/13 Provisional Spending Targets for Information Services