Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

1.   That the update on Surrey’s Digital Infrastructure strategy, the external drivers and different investments and influences be noted.

2.   That the steps being taken to accelerate delivery of certain key and relevant ‘enabling’ projects and to identify associated resourcing options be noted.

3.   That an update be brought to Cabinet in the Autumn to include:

·      Assessment of Building Digital UK (BDUK)  plans, aligned to commercial rollout

·      Update on delivery against the Digital Infrastructure strategy programme plan ‘immediate actions’

·      Identification of gaps (geographical and funding) and possible measures to address them

Reason for decision:

Achieving the Council’s objectives around digital deployment and connectivity is critical to the well-being and prosperity of Surrey’s residents and businesses.  A digitally connected Surrey will ensure that our residents and businesses can benefit from new and emerging technology enablers, i.e. virtual and augmented reality (VR & AR) which will drive the next generation of innovation at home and in the workplace; for example, autonomous electric vehicles and transport, hyper-automation, drone delivery services and digital healthcare provision.  Delivering these benefits for Council service outcomes requires a step change in digital capability and connectivity.  Surrey’s economic growth also requires a hyper-connected environment to facilitate its innovation eco-system.

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Resources & Performance Select Committee]

The report was introduced by the Deputy Leader who explained that the report  provided an update on the Council’s Digital Infrastructure strategy and plans for delivery. It sets out the objectives of the next phase ofthe strategy and highlights the multiple investors and influences involved in digital deployment across the region. The reportintroduces an initial set of projects to be included in an emerging programme plan andidentifies associated resourcing options. In light of the timing of national developments andopportunities, it proposes that Cabinet receive a further update in the Autumn.

Members were supportive of the proposals highlighted in the report recognising the positive impacts of digital infrastructure in a virtual and digital world. The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Domestic Abuse welcomed the report and the drive for increased digital connectivity which would support a number of council services including adult social care and children’s services. It was agreed that it would be useful for both these services to be involved in the Council’s Digital Infrastructure Steering Group.

RESOLVED:

1.   That the update on Surrey’s Digital Infrastructure strategy, the external drivers and different investments and influences be noted.

2.   That the steps being taken to accelerate delivery of certain key and relevant ‘enabling’ projects and to identify associated resourcing options be noted.

3.   That an update be brought to Cabinet in the Autumn to include:

·      Assessment of Building Digital UK (BDUK)  plans, aligned to commercial rollout

·      Update on delivery against the Digital Infrastructure strategy programme plan ‘immediate actions’

·      Identification of gaps (geographical and funding) and possible measures to address them

Reason for decision:

Achieving the Council’s objectives around digital deployment and connectivity is critical to the well-being and prosperity of Surrey’s residents and businesses.  A digitally connected Surrey will ensure that our residents and businesses can benefit from new and emerging technology enablers, i.e. virtual and augmented reality (VR & AR) which will drive the next generation of innovation at home and in the workplace; for example, autonomous electric vehicles and transport, hyper-automation, drone delivery services and digital healthcare provision.  Delivering these benefits for Council service outcomes requires a step change in digital capability and connectivity.  Surrey’s economic growth also requires a hyper-connected environment to facilitate its innovation eco-system.

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Resources & Performance Select Committee]