A move by Richmondshire Council to switch to a fully computerised system should save up to £20,000, according to council leader Yvonne Peacock.
The District Council’s corporate board took the decision to abandon paper in favour of iPads last Tuesday and members of the full council are expected to ratify it October 20th.
Cllr Yvonne Peacock, said: ‘These changes mean we can make on-going efficiency savings through the reduction in the need for laptops and the hardware that go with them – as well as saving costs from printing.
‘And iPads give us the flexibility to access our emails, committee papers and other information from anywhere with a wireless connection – as well as using them at meetings.'
The iPads were initially trialled with six members of the council using them. All members are now online.
Cllr Peacock emphasised the potential savings: ’With the cost of replacing an iPad considerably less than replacing a laptop, [the £20,000] saving will only get greater. It forms part of our four year financial strategy to deliver savings, balance the budget and keep council tax low.’
Photo: Bloomua/Shutterstock.com
