G10 Global investigates why the Bury Council have spent £9,000 on iPads, for its Bin Men

Sept. 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Like many of UK residents, G10 Global were dazed last week at recent council investment decisions. As reported by the BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-14718065, it appears cash-strapped Bury Council is to order Apple £399 tablet computers. The gadgets will be mounted on bin collection lorry dashboards to guide crews around new routes. They will also compile lists of residents who do not recycle. These will receive "advice” letters. People who need assistance in putting out bins will be recorded and houses where bins are not left out will be logged. Waste bosses in the town in Gtr Manchester claim the iPads will improve collection rates, customer service and recycling, G10 Global agrees.

The BBC claim that opponents of the plan say it is a waste of money. Local Tory MP David Nuttall said: "I'm not against the use of technology, but there are far cheaper ways of recording names and addresses — such as old fashioned pen and paper." Robert Oxley, of the Taxpayers’ Alliance, added: "It beggars belief that a council making huge savings can find this money to splash out on iPads." Residents want bin services that are reliable and efficient — not council staff monitoring them with expensive gimmicks. Town hall bosses have been accused of insulting taxpayers with plans to give binmen £400 iPad gadgets to do their rounds.

Bury Council, facing budget cuts of £18 million, is reportedly to buy 22 of the tablet computers to mount on dashboards guiding bin wagons around the town in Greater Manchester according to the Daily Mail. The council claims it will help save cash by improving collection rates, customer service standards and boost recycling. "It's an insult to local residents who are tightening their belts in tough times that the council is wasting their money on fanciful ideas like this." G10 Global reads that Bury Council, which must make £18 million in savings over the next three years, is buying one for each bin wagon, which if bought in shops for around £400, comes to a bill of £8,800. The devices must also be mounted in bin wagon cabs and refuse staff will also have to be trained to use the gadgets.

G10 Global can report the scheme is due to be presented to councillors in a report by officers but has reportedly already been rubber-stamped as going ahead. No-one at Bury Council, or councillors contacted, was available to verify the information or give comment.

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