Decision details

To assist digitally disadvantaged students in H&F during the Covid 19 pandemic and subsequent move to increased eLearning, Digital Services and Children’s Services are working with local partners to launch a crowdfunding campaign aimed at raising funds for laptops and data connectivity.

Children’s, in consultation with schools, has identified that in H&F there is a device shortfall of 1500 units, and connectivity is required for 500 students. High demand for devices nationally and limited availability have created difficult market conditions. However, an opportunity to secure devices at a favourable price has arisen through the London Grid for Learning (LGfL). To take advantage of this opportunity, H&F must place an order as soon as possible and ahead of the crowdfunding campaign, in order to secure and deliver the devices in a more compressed timescale.

The purpose of this report is to request the funds to secure the devices, with the intention that the crowdfunding campaign will launch and recoup the costs.

1.         That Appendix 1 to this report be exempt from disclosure on the grounds that it/they contain information relating to the financial or business affairs of a particular person (including the authority holding that information) under Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and in all circumstances of the case.

2.         To approve the purchase in increments of up to the maximum number of 1,500 laptops and connectivity from the Centralised Purchasing Body London Grid for Learning to be funded from crowdfunding raised by United HF.

3.         To approve that in the event that United HF does not raise sufficient funds through crowdfunding, the shortfall will be funded from Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) (of up to £90,000), with any additional shortfall funded through Covid emergency grant to the extent that this is available. Where purchases remain unfunded, these costs will need to be met through annual revenue contingency budget or reserves.  The maximum total cost would be £322,300.

4.         To approve the funding of £10,000 to United HF to raise funds through crowdfunding and administer the scheme to be funded from Neighbourhood CIL.

1.         The Covid-19 pandemic has created a unique situation which has disadvantaged some students in H&F, limiting their ability to take part in education due to their limited access to laptops and internet connectivity.

2.         The crowdfunding campaign will be launched shortly, aimed at raising funds for devices and connectivity.  This campaign is intended to recoup the cost requested in this report.

3.         In these exceptional circumstances, the Council will facilitate the upfront purchase of devices. Purchasing the devices ahead of the crowdfunding campaign will provide needed technology to vulnerable students and families, at a favourable price point although it should be recognised there is no guarantee of recovering all of the funds.

As described in the report.