Decision details

The Cabinet considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive seeking approval to rejuvenate the existing laptop device estate for Council staff. This strategic initiative aimed to significantly enhance productivity, operational efficiency, and seamless compatibility with the existing suite of products across the Council.

The report presented the following options:

Option 1: Do Nothing Under this option, the Council would continue to utilise the ageing laptops until the end of their usable life. This approach entailed several risks and disadvantages which were set out  in the report.

Option 2: This option included financially sensitive information which was considered at Item 16 on the agenda.

Option 3: Procure New Laptops and Implement a new VPN Solution. This was the recommended option.  The high number of requests for new hardware received by the IT department underpinned the urgency to procure laptops and VPN licenses and to reduce the reuse of outdated laptop devices, ensuring high customer satisfaction and operational excellence was maintained. A planned and phased procurement and deployment of new devices offered best value rather than relying on ad-hoc, break-fix replacement assets. Proactively replacing the laptops immediately would enable the Council to secure advantageous pricing.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet would consider the commercially sensitive information contained at Item 16 of the agenda before making a decision.