Decision details

Decision details

E-Newsletters

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decisions:

The Assistant Director - Transformation & Communications presented a report which sought to replace the Council’s printed version of the Voice newsletter, to an E-newsletter format. Within this move, there was also a proposal to incorporate an alternative provision for tenants, where previously a quarterly printed publication was provided by Newark & Sherwood Homes. The proposal was not to return to a primary printed publication, either for residents or tenants, but to introduce an E-newsletter format which would equally be useable for both purposes and add a range of additional functionality.

 

The report outlined the benefits of moving to E-newsletters which included cost savings, interactive nature, issuing timely publications, as well meeting objectives within the Community Plan. Subject to approval, a procurement exercise would be undertaken to acquire the required software to produce E-newsletters and consultation would be required with tenants regarding the choices available and giving them the option to receive a paper version.  

 

As Chairman of the Homes & Communities Committee, Councillor T. Wendels confirmed that this Committee, at their meeting held on 18 January 2021, did support the recommendation to move to E-newsletters. However, concerns had been raised by the Committee that residents of the District should not miss out on information by not having paper copies. Councillor D Lloyd advised that certain publications would still be sent in paper form, such as Council Tax bills and rent change notifications and other information could be included with these. In addition, it was proposed that the implementation of the introduction of E-newsletters be reviewed in order to ensure residents and tenants were able to access appropriate information.

 

AGREED (unanimously) that:

 

(a)                    the proposed move to E-Newsletters to replace the current printed versions of the Voice and the development of an E-newsletter platform as set out in paragraph 4 of the report, be approved;

 

(b)                    the proposal to move to E-Newsletters, as an alternative provision for

Council tenants to replace the printed publications they previously received, be approved in principle, subject to the outcome of the consultation referred to in paragraph 5.2 of the report; and

 

(c)                     the Homes & Communities and Policy & Finance Committees both                           receive a review, when appropriate, on the implementation of both                             schemes.

 

Reason for Decision

 

To move forward with a modern digital way to communicate with our residents, which provides better value for money and best meets the needs of the resident and tenant.

Publication date: 29/03/2021

Date of decision: 21/01/2021

Decided at meeting: 21/01/2021 - Policy & Finance Committee

Accompanying Documents: