Perth and Kinross Invest in Tech

Perth and Kinross Council criticised for spending £150,000 on 'top end' handheld devices and laptops.

19:37 02 May 2018

Perth and Kinross Council has bought 600 smartphones, iPads and laptops in the last 18 months as a part of its campaign to reduce paper waste and help elected members and staff to work remotely.

 

The move was criticised by the Taxpayers Alliance, a national low tax pressure group, which described the spending as “totally unacceptable.”

Based on reports, the council bought 20 Apple iPads, 142 Microsoft Surface and Pro computers and 230 Samsung Galaxy J5 phones.

 

Campaign manager James Price said: “It’s just completely baffling that a local council thinks that it is appropriate to spend more than £140,000 on top end tablets for staff.

 

“This sort of spending is completely inappropriate in the wider context of overspending in Scotland.”

 

He added: “The amount spent on these fancy tablets cannot be repeated again, especially with council tax going up across the country.”

 

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the council justified the spending saying: “The council is investing in mobile technology such as smart phones and tablets to aid mobile working for elected members and staff.

 

“This gives users the functionality to be able to work remotely, reducing transport time and costs, and reducing the requirement for paper print outs.”