A new ICT system costing £21m has been given the go-ahead by Shropshire Council…
Councillors at Shropshire Council have agreed to the delivery of a new ICT Digital Transformation programme that will benefit Shropshire residents.
The decision was made during a full council meeting earlier this week, giving the thumbs up for the plans, which will see £21m spent on a new ICT system.
The system will change how the local authority delivers services and manages operations. It aims to not only provide a better user experience but also deliver savings that could total £36m over a period of five years.
Speaking to the Shropshire Star, Councillor Michael Wood, portfolio holder for corporate support, said: “Doing nothing is not any longer an option. Now is an opportunity to provide that new way of forward thinking, and that modern council.
“Some of our technology is now 15 years old and held together by bits and patches on the side to keep it going.
“Some of our younger technology is about nine years old.”
The system will comprise of cloud-based technologies, as well as an integrated platform for all systems. It will mainly focus on back-office systems and social care.
However, criticism was levelled at the council from Oswestry South Councillor Duncan Kerr, who said there had already been problems managing the previous system. He said more money should not be used to fix the issue.
Church Stretton and Craven Arms Councillor Lee Chapman said the new system would fix the previous issues.
