Agenda item

This report provides a summary of the work that’s taken place to date to establish five weekly digital hubs across the borough on council housing estates.

Daniel Miller (Resident Involvement and Service Improvement Manager) introduced the report which summarised the work which had been done so far to establish five weekly digital hubs across the borough on council housing estates. The report highlighted the key achievements and set out what the proposed next steps were.

Daniel Miller explained that the original aim of the project aim was to set up five hubs by May 2019. It was noted that this target had been met by January 2019 and weekly digital hubs were taking place at Queen Caroline, Clem Attlee, Charecroft, Wood Lane, and Philpot Estate halls. 

The Committee noted that the digital inclusion project linked to the Resident Involvement Strategy 2016-2018 with the objectives of:

·           Placing greater control and influence at the hands of our residents, making us more accountable for the housing services they receive.

·           More involvement, better involvement

·           Promote social inclusion and support thriving and vibrant communities

Daniel Miller confirmed that the cost of the project was £79,048 which had been paid for from section 106 contributions. The Committee noted that funding had been secured until 9 May 2019 and options were being considered to extend this funding for another 12 months.

In terms of the outcomes to date, it was noted that 91 separate sessions had been held across the five locations and 564 council housing residents had been assisted.

Kim Shearer, Community Facilities Officer in the Resident Involvement Team, cited some case studies to illustrate how the scheme had assisted residents, to track medication (by using Excel), become more conversant with using new technology such as Ipads and new telephones, as well as stay in touch with grandchildren in other countries (through What’s App).Concluding his initial remarks, Daniel Miller confirmed that moving forwards, the aspiration was to support the development and delivery of the existing five digital hubs and, if possible, compliment these with the addition of three further hubs across the borough.

Councillor Lisa Homan underlined how important the internet had become in shaping everyone’s daily lives and why digital literacy was essential.

Councillor Adronie Alford asked if officers had considered holding a session at sheltered housing accommodation. Councillor Lisa Homan confirmed that officers would be providing sessions in these locations in the future. Councillor Rowan Ree agreed that digital inclusion on housing estates was a fantastic initiative and commented that the rise of online universal credit had made digital awareness mandatory. Councillor Rowan Ree asked officers why they thought estates were less well connected than other areas in the borough. In response, officers confirmed that they were currently working on a digital heat map of the borough to identify areas of deprivation, so resources could be targeted more effectively.

Referring to the pie charts which had been included with the report, Councillor Rowan Ree asked officers why there had been more female respondents to surveys. In response, officers confirmed that men were less likely to admit they were not conversant with the latest technology and required further training.

Councillor Rowan Ree asked how the scheme was advertised. In response, officers confirmed that leaflets in libraries and doctors’ surgeries had been used, along with door knocking and referrals from Housing officers. Councillor Rowan Ree suggested that a general newsletter to all Council properties could also be used.

Councillor Rowan Ree noted that the scheme was about to enter another round of funding and asked if it was linked to the Industrial Strategy. In response, officers explained that Imperial College was currently conducting a variety of initiatives with older people and there were links here. However, officers acknowledged there was scope to improve the links between digital hubs and the Industrial Strategy in the future. Given the improvements the scheme had already brought, Councillor Rowan Ree commented that it was cost effective and a great way of empowering communities.

Councillor Zarar Qayyum echoed these sentiments and asked how often the hubs met. The Committee noted that each hub met once a week. Officers confirmed that residents often returned for multiple sessions and one to one support was available. Councillor Zarar Qayyum asked  how outreach was being conducted and what steps were being taken to ensure those from ethnic minorities (where English was not their first language) or disadvantaged backgrounds were assisted. Officers confirmed that these groups were already over represented in Council Housing but officers were endeavouring to reach all groups.

Councillor Zarar Qayyum asked whether officers had explored different funding streams other than s106 monies and if there was scope to out-source training to external organisations. Daniel Miller explained that officers were investigating a variety of possible funding initiatives including Lottery Funding and outsourcing might be an option in the future.

Councillor Lisa Homan explained that there was a larger digital inclusion picture and apart from Housing, organisations such as Bishops Creighton and the Citizens Advice Bureau had been actively promoting digital awareness.

Councillor Rowan Ree asked if the Council had approached BT or other internet service providers about the scheme. Daniel Miller confirmed that this was something officers were planning to explore in the future.

Summarising the discussions, the Chair confirmed that the Committee were extremely supportive of the scheme and realised the value of each of the hubs. The Committee noted the location of the hubs and why these had been chosen, as well as the advertising which had been done to raise awareness across the borough. The Committee agreed that good outcomes had been achieved and the scheme should receive further funding going forwards.

Action: The Committee agreed good outcomes had been achieved and the scheme should receive further funding in the future.

RESOLVED

That the Committee reviewed and commented on the report.

WORK PROGRAMMING 2018/19

The Chair introduced the item and took the opportunity to thank Committee Members for their hard work during the year. Looking ahead to the 19/20 municipal year, the Chair confirmed that the Committee would like to examine the progress which had been made on the Fire Safety Plus Programme.