Chairman suggests buying all town councillors iPads

ipad

The Chairman of Wilmslow Town Council has recommended that the Town Council spends £7000 purchasing iPads for each councillor, as well as for the town clerk and assistant clerk.

Speaking at the Town Council meeting on Monday, 19th January, Councillor Martin Watkins said "We need to embrace modern technology. Before I elaborate further what I am about to say is already being embraced by other organisations, businesses and other councils.

"This council needs to purchase sufficient iPads to issue one to each councillor, its town clerk and assistant town clerk. Internet connected, these iPads will become the norm by which papers are circulated between individual councillors and all councillors.

"The potential cost is £7000 over a three year lifespan or 1% of the current precept."

However, those town councillors who responded to this recommendation were not in favour.

Cllr Gary Barton said "I'm uncomfortable with that kind of provision. Technically we are entitled to claim expenses as a council but I think we should use our own equipment. People have their own equipment and then we'd get into debates about what's the best technology to buy. Apple is an expensive way to do it and there would be much more cost effective options - but I think in times of austerity I don't think it is the sort of thing we should proceed with."

Cllr Keith Purdom commented "I can't imagine that I would want to support such an expenditure."

Cllr Watkins responded "The point I was making is that other councils have already done it, they've already been down this path."

What do you think about the suggeston that the Town Council should purchase iPads for each councillor and clerk? Share your view via the comment box below. 

Tags:
Martin Watkins, Wilmslow Town Council
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Simon Atkins
Wednesday 21st January 2015 at 1:19 pm
Cllr Watkins seems to want iFads for the sake of having them and because 'everyone else has got one'. If you can justify a *good* reason why you need them then you should also consider Android tablets such as the Googles Nexus, or Samsungs which are just as good, if not better, and considerably cheaper.
Terry Roeves
Wednesday 21st January 2015 at 2:03 pm
If it needs to be done, then source form a company paying taxes to UK Treasury on UK profits and not abroad.
Also check manufactured content for UK content - hardware, firmware and software.
The Tesco brand tablet is a great performer and great value - quite adequate for email and sharing documents. Buy a dozen and get a generous discount.
Use the saving to refurbish the rotting derelict building in the leisure centre car park, together with the notice board. Quite disgusting. A total eyesore that devalues Wilmslow. Another example of CEC indifference.
David Jefferay
Wednesday 21st January 2015 at 2:14 pm
I'm not sure that the Chairman was 'recommending' that the council buy them, I think he was just suggesting it as something to think about since it appears that other councils have identified a need/benefit.

I would possibly support the provision of technology for one or two of the Councillors to improve the efficiency of the Council and allow it to embrace technology (if they didn't already have a computer at home) but I very much doubt any of the members of the council do not own computers. I certainly wouldn't support the procurement of it wholesale for everyone.
Graham Jackson
Wednesday 21st January 2015 at 3:05 pm
David,

Cost ratio - benefit. If Wilmslow residents saw an increase in communication and contact with the voters/residents I would agree.

However, as most Councillors appear to be shy in engaging in this site, albeit being an unofficial council communicative tool, why should we pay otherwise?
DELETED ACCOUNT
Wednesday 21st January 2015 at 7:41 pm
The issue comes down to several things; Firstly, should the public be funding councillors with "technology". The reality is that "technology" has replaced pen and paper and surely we can expect our councillors to provide this for themselves? Secondly, why ipads? - when there are many cheaper, just as efficient products on the market. Do we also provide them with mobile phones?
Pete Taylor
Wednesday 21st January 2015 at 8:04 pm
Perhaps ALL the members of the WTC could post their individual view here?

These folks will be after our votes in a few weeks time, let's see how many of them are prepared to engage with their electorate on this excellent website; well done to Gary and David for participating here.

I have no opinion either way whether it should be down to the Council Tax payers to provide this equipment; I do have a definite opinion that our elected representatives should use such equipment to engage with their electors regularly. It is simply not good enough to get a 30-second door-step visit a few weeks before each election (or never, in the case of the last Tory candidate to stand in Wilmslow East, thinking that he had the divine right to the vacancy) and after that nothing...

It's time to kick party politics out of local elections..
Lisa Reeves
Wednesday 21st January 2015 at 8:17 pm
David - Cllr Watkins raised this issue at the meeting and said "This council needs to purchase sufficient iPads to issue one to each councillor, its town clerk and assistant town clerk."

I realise he wasn't asking councillors to vote on it there and then, and it was not an agenda item, but given what he said I took this to be something he was in favour of and recommending to other councillors.
David Jefferay
Wednesday 21st January 2015 at 9:00 pm
I stand corrected Lisa, those words do suggest that he is in favour.

Either way, it'll be an interesting vote when/if it comes up again!
Abdul Rao
Wednesday 21st January 2015 at 9:27 pm
It's ridiculous to see tax payers money is going to be spent on needless iPads, these gadgets will be not used more than playing games on them, shame on council if the do spent tax payers money on iPads.
Oliver Romain
Wednesday 21st January 2015 at 11:34 pm
It pains me to say, Gary Barton is right on this one. Forget Apple, its expensive and unnecessary. If the councillors don't have the technology already a freebie from the taxpayers will not change anything. Give the cash to schools for their technology needs if its going spare.
Stuart Redgard
Thursday 22nd January 2015 at 1:00 am
I was at the meeting and have a different recollection and interpretation of what Councillor Watkins said to either David Jefferies and Lisa Reeves who were both also in attendance.

It's interesting how different people who hear the same words can interoperate them differently. If only some one had made an audio recording and then we could play it back. Then again we might then disagree with the actual tone of voice that was used when he spoke. Was he being serious or mischievous? Only he really knows.
Dave Cash
Thursday 22nd January 2015 at 3:07 am
If I remember the context of this proposal, it stemmed from the fact that recent changes in Law no longer require Cllrs to be summoned by post, email is sufficient. This means reports & briefing documents can be provided by email, rather than hard copy being printed by WTC and sent via Royal Mail, hence ind Cllrs would have to print at their own expense.
What if a Cllr does not have a computer or printer?
Cllrs are not WTC employees but elected representatives.
As Cllr G Barton suggested, all are entitled to claim nec expenses for discharge of their WTC duties. Tablets would remain property of WTC with a useful life expectancy of 5+ yrs.
I suggest Cllrs could claim up to £100 pa for printer consumables, if they wish. Ind Cllrs expenses to be reported in WTC annual accounts and at next Annual Town Meeting, alongside attendance record.

I agree with Cllr G Barton that Toorwn/Parish Cllrs should not be in it for expenses, neither should they be sig out of pocket, but the ultimate decision is theirs.
Lisa Reeves
Thursday 22nd January 2015 at 7:38 am
Stuart I do have an audio recording and I can assure you this is what was said.

I record the meetings for my own use only, to make certain my quotes are accurate.
Vince Chadwick
Thursday 22nd January 2015 at 12:14 pm
I wonder why he said 'Apple'? Apple stuff is expensive, and there are, as has been said, better and cheaper kit such as Android Nexus. 'But 'Apple' is very fashionable! Will they soon be suggesting each Councillor be provided with a Breitling watch to ensure they get to meetings on time?

They provide their own watches, and they should provide their own tablets if they think they need them.
Nick Jones
Thursday 22nd January 2015 at 12:27 pm
Use of technology should be applauded, It would be nice to see some engagement by those who currently avoid such forums as this to grasp the opportunity to maintain contact with its electorate. However....... I would be more concerned about Security, Protection of data,wi-fi security and data data stored on the devices...... particularly if through no fault of the user, constituent / private consultation information 'went missing' on a stolen I Pad / Android device......Call in the Information Commissioners Office ! ( fortunately they are only on the door step ) Fortunately simple 'Encryption' technology can assist . So its not just about getting the devices its about standardisation in protection and use,
James MacDonald
Saturday 24th January 2015 at 2:46 pm
Apple have some lovely £2000 screens, might as well get one of those each for when working from home. Also, pay someone to provide 24 hour technical assistance.
Angela McPake
Sunday 25th January 2015 at 10:47 am
I have read the comments on here with interest and just had a couple of thoughts. Whilst Cllr Watkins refers to ipads, there is no mention of Apple in Lisa's report. I wonder whether he was using 'ipad' to refer to tablets generically (as Hoover and Vacuum Cleaner have become interchangeable) rather than suggesting purchase of the market leading (and therefore expensive) version. Surely, should WTC decide to make the purchase they will use due diligence and buy the most cost effective model that does the job.

Whilst I applaud the two Councillors who have said they will happily use their own tablets (and would be my own view as most of us already have quite enough electronic gadgetry to carry round on a daily basis) I am much less comfortable with the idea (expressed in an earlier comment) that Councillors should fund their own tablet if they need them for the job.

If you want to serve on WTC because you want to make Wilmslow a better place to live and visit, on top of the time you put in, it shouldn't have to come at a substantial financial cost. I know lots of people would have no issue paying for tablet if they didn't have one but not everyone can afford it and it would create a barrier for some people who otherwise have something worthwhile to contribute. Therefore the idea that the Council would fund one has to be sensible in this scenario. Unless it has changed recently, all the Councillors have chosen to cover their own expenses (for office stationery etc) rather than claim it back. Obviously that is great and done for all the right reasons but would the thought that you would be out of pocket put some people off standing? I suspect it would be awkward to be in the minority claiming expenses because you needed to. I am keen that the WTC reflects the views of all the people of Wilmslow, not just those who can afford to become Councillors- which is not knocking the great things the current council have done in the last 4 years to improve the town.

I have to confess to a vested interest, which is why I may have given more thought to this than most people! I am intending to stand for the Council in May. I believe passionately in Wilmslow and making it a great place to live. It is really easy to stand on the sidelines and comment on other people's efforts- sometimes you need to put your money where your mouth is and get involved!
Oliver Romain
Monday 26th January 2015 at 12:35 am
Angela - Commenting on local politics and voting is a way of being involved. Whether you are standing for election or not its probably best not to appear to put yourself above people who care enough to take time to read about and comment on local issues.
Ipads are £500 each and 14 councillors equals £7K. Of course there may be some other high end tablets of similar cost but its unlikely that anyone who had looked into it would call them Ipads. Given that perfectly well specified tablets are half the cost of ipads, voters would be forgiven for thinking buying ipads or any other tablet for £500 each would be a waste of money.
Fred Rayers
Monday 26th January 2015 at 10:42 am
The cost is not just £7k, what about IT support? what about insurance in case of theft/damage? What happens if it goes missing with private council data held on it? what if a Councillor installs unlicensed software on it? what if they visit dodgy sites? what if they pick up a virus that needs to be removed? What about a printer? What about printing costs? What about broadband costs?

Also the reasonable useful lifetime of such a device is more like 4 years, not the 5+ quoted by someone.

However, the Council should/must provide good IT facilities for the town clerk, for Council use, which might perhaps reasonably include a tablet as well as a laptop / printer etc.

In addition there are tax implications- as soon as you use such IT for anything other than Council use its a benefit in kind (all of it, not just a proportion!) and taxable.

But maybe the Council should be supplying stationery to Councillors, but perhaps buy it as a Council and give it out at meetings as needed, rather than as individuals and claimed back - so its cheaper?
DELETED ACCOUNT
Wednesday 28th January 2015 at 11:02 am
Fred - you are correct. It is not just the initial purchase, but the ongoing costs. The reality is that our Cheshire East Councillors at the Cabinet Meeting in September decided to "roll -out" giving tablet computers to all Council members. It is clear that once that decision was taken then every parish and town council would request to do the same and that all tablets would be the same, bought in bulk, and maintained by the Council's IT department. So residents will have paid for tablets for many Council officials, all Cheshire East Councillors and all parish and town councils. The cost will be ongoing as technology is updated every 5 years at the most. One of the good things to be said for the use of computers and tablets at all governmental levels is that it becomes much harder for them to claim that documents cannot be found.