Castletown Commissioners held their first paperless meeting on December 2 thanks to the recent acquisition of computer tablets for authority members.
Several months ago, all authority members were each given a mini iPad for use while a commissioner and only in relation to local authority work.
It was felt the cost of the iPads would soon be recouped through savings in reduced paper usage and administration time – photocopying agendas and accompanying correspondence, often involving lengthy reports.
There are other advantages in having the iPad: if members are unable to physically attend meetings, they can still take part through using an electronic link such as Facetime using the iPad.
Commissioners’ chairman Kevin Weir said: ‘We reduced the amount of paper we are using since we got the iPads, slowly but surely, so now we are paperless.
‘There will be certain things we have to still use paper for, and printed agendas will be available for any members of the public who attend meetings, but the board will be paperless.
‘This was the intention to cut down on cost. We will recoup the cost [of the iPads] in a very short time. It’s surprising how much paper you generate’
Recently Ramsey Town Commissioners decided to trial using tablet computers, such as iPads, to reduce paper usage and facilitate communication.
Mr Weir said: ‘It’s nice that Ramsey wants to catch up with Castletown.
‘I do know one or two [local authorities] who are talking about this technology.
‘To be honest, one or two commissioners were a bit slow to get to grips with it, but over all we have found it to be advantageous.
‘We have got to try and embrace technology, if it makes you more effective, that’s the way to go.’