Decision

This Council notes that there is an
ever-increasing use and reliance for services including
payment?by the use of?smart phones, Apps
and other digital devices as well as the increase in the use of
artificial intelligence and communication tools such as chat
functions within websites.
?
Whilst it is recognised that the use of
technology has brought benefits to sectors of the community, it has
also driven a growing digital divide.
 
We therefore welcome that this Council does
not subscribe to a digital by default policy, and instead employs a
more flexible, customer focused approach to enable access to
Council services. As such, we further welcome this Council’s
continued commitment to ensure that no resident is forced to go
digital if they either do not wish to or are unable to do so.
 
In recognition of the Council’s
commitment to ensuring that no resident is digitally excluded
within the County, this Council commits to:
?
1.    
?Continuing to ensure through the implementation of this
Council’s digital by choice culture the availability of
non-digital alternatives to access Council services.???
 
2.    
Continuing to keep the Council's strategies and policies under
review in line with legislation and our own ambitions, with
periodic updates to the Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview
and Scrutiny Committee to ensure Member engagement and oversight;??
 
3.    
Continuing to build upon the work that is already being undertaken
and Warwickshire County Council’s strong relationship with
The Good Things Foundation in respect of digital inclusion best
practice and to ensure digital inclusion in Warwickshire’s
libraries.
 
4.    
Continuing its extensive programme of work to build digital skills,
including free access to public computer networks, provision of
free WiFi in public spaces and the
digital device lending scheme.