Agenda item

Report of the Director of Economic Development.

NB: This report will also be considered by the Grand Committee.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Director of Economic Development concerning the creation of a Cyber Directorate.

It was noted that whilst the report referred to use of the Priorities Investment fund, the source of funding for the proposal had yet to be determined.

The Director of Economic Development was heard in support of the report. Detailed discussion ensued and whilst Members were supportive of the principle of the City Corporation becoming involved in cyber security, particularly in its capacity as a champion for business, concern was expressed about the scale and complexity of the issue and whether the City Corporation could make a difference to the issue or had the ability of the City Corporation to deliver such a project. The Sub-Committee felt that the report as drafted, did not clearly define the scope of the proposal and that potentially it was too wide ranging for the City Corporation. Members therefore asked for a further paper to come back which addressed the issue of scope and what realistically the City Corporation might be able to deliver.

RESOLVED – that it be recommended to the Policy and Resources Committee that the report be withdrawn and that a further report addressing the issue of scope and what realistically the City Corporation might be able to deliver on cyber security be submitted.