THE city council’s transition to a paperless way of working was discussed by its senior policymakers.

As part of its medium-term financial strategy, Winchester City Council aims to ensure council services are available online, which they hope will also achieve efficiency savings.

The council also wants to develop Winchester as a ‘Smart City’ by introducing public wifi and mobile apps that benefit Winchester’s 5.6 million visitors each year.

Cllr Lucille Thompson, Liberal Democrat group leader, told the cabinet last Wednesday said digitisation was a way of saving money, but urged a “cautious approach”, saying it “might not be the silver bullet we are looking for”.

“Make sure that when you are buying the software and kit, you make the right decision,” she added.

Cllr Caroline Horrill, council leader, said she wanted people to come into Winchester, “and get the latest information on their kit.

“Our colleagues at the county council seem to be doing well with their digital opportunities so we can learn from that,” she said.

City councillor Rob Humby, who is also the executive member for environment and transport at Hampshire County Council, said the city council were looking into how they could get wifi throughout the city for visitors, but also to help support local businesses.

“We need to make sure it is expandable and it is able to accept any upgrades that come along,” he said.

“(Digitisation) does work well at the county council. I think it is successful as we are able to use it with other authorities at the appropriate level.”