Southend councillors could be set to get a laptop computer each instead of a desktop PC under new proposals to thrust council business into the 21st century.

The hi-tech proposals to cut paper and improve communication were originally put before councillors in December.

But at a meeting of the council's economic scrutiny committee this week members agreed having laptops instead of the cheaper, but less portable, desktop PCs, would be of more use for everyday council business.

The plan is to provide all 39 elected members with a computer by May so they can access agendas, reports, have e-mail addresses and the internet from home.

It will cost council tax payers £65,000 to get off the ground and another £33,000 a year to run.

Council leader David Elf (Lib Dem, Prittlewell) warned: "While we agree we need these facilities we must remember it is costing the council tax payers money."

However, Conservative group leader Charles Latham (Con, Chalkwell) said: "A laptop would be invaluable but a PC would be a nightmare."

He added: "The very last thing I need is another PC. I spend a lot of my time in different offices. If I only had a PC in one position it would be very inconvenient for me."

He suggested each member be quizzed on what exactly they needed so that money wasn't wasted on giving people things they didn't need while others didn't get the right equipment.

Howard Gibeon, (Lib Dem, Westborough) said: "It's no use saving a few pounds in the short-term and then having to go out and spend considerably more in a few years time to upgrade."

A proposal to give councillors computers with direct access to the council system network will be decided at the next meeting of the cabinet.

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