Issue - meetings

To consider a report from the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation.

(a)           That the final version of the Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion Strategy and delivery plan appended to the report of Cabinet 3 October 2023, be adopted.

(b)           That, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder Corporate Development and Transformation and the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy, authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Corporate Development to identify an appropriate source of funding up to £374,000 per annum from the options identified on paragraph 3.11 (Cabinet 3 October 2023) for the implementation of the Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion Strategy.

Reason for the decision

To support delivery of the Council Plan priority of driving economic prosperity and the cabinet commitment of digital innovation.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation presented a report setting out the Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion Strategy.  The Strategy outlined how the council would continue to reduce digital exclusion and inspire tech enterprise, providing better outcomes for individuals, the economy and society.  The Portfolio Holder referred to the work carried out by the Place and Resources Overview Committee in developing the strategy and the workshops held with stakeholders. The strategy also underpinned delivery of each of the Dorset Council’s five key priorities. 

In presenting the recommendation the Portfolio Holder proposed the following amendment.

That, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder Corporate Development and Transformation and the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy, authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Corporate Development to identify an appropriate source of funding up to £374,000 per annum from the options identified on paragraph 3.11 (Cabinet 3 October 2023) for the implementation of the Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion Strategy.

The amended recommendation was seconded by Cllr Parry.

Decision

(a)           That the final version of the Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion Strategy and delivery plan appended to the report of Cabinet 3 October 2023, be adopted.

(b)           That, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder Corporate Development and Transformation and the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy, authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Corporate Development to identify an appropriate source of funding up to £374,000 per annum from the options identified on paragraph 3.11 (Cabinet 3 October 2023) for the implementation of the Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion Strategy.

Reason for the decision

To support delivery of the Council Plan priority of driving economic prosperity and the cabinet commitment of digital innovation.