COUNCIL bosses have been accused of an “astonishing waste of paper” after issuing Helensburgh school pupils with extensive printed documents at the start of the new term.

Helensburgh resident Stella Kinloch raised the issue at a meeting of local councillors, asking why digital communications could not have been used.

The eight-page documents given to pupils related to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and were required to be signed by parents.

A council officer responded that email software used at the school was unable to send such a large amount of data, although a possible solution is being investigated.

The discussion took place at a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee on Tuesday, September 10.

Ms Kinloch’s question, which was read by clerk Stuart McLean in her absence, said: “Why did 1,300 pupils at Hermitage start the year being issued with eight pieces of paper giving GDPR notices and data information?

“The authorities currently use Google forms, and these are available, but not being used. Then, when pupils do not return the forms, they receive a second set.

“You see committees discussing budgets and spending cuts, while the waste of paper is astonishing when digital solutions are there.

“I am sure this will be authority-wide. This waste of paper is eating into budgets and I am seeking a commitment from the authority to stop this.

“It is only required where there are exceptional circumstances.”

Mr McLean then said: “I contacted colleagues in the education department who responded that data checks are a vital aspect of data protection compliance.

“These are issued on paper as they are pre-populated with information parents have supplied. This is a simplified process rather than printing out again.

“Unfortunately Messenger 5 is unable to email that amount of data. We are looking at an app that could help.”

Councillor Gary Mulvaney (Conservative, Helensburgh Central) said: “The simple point to me would have been to establish the facts – firstly, ask the school why they are doing it, and that explanation would have been given.

“I would like to think our schools would use a variety of mediums and channels in communicating with parents.

“To me the question is fully answered, and I appreciate the officers giving the answer, but if the question was asked to the school, I am sure the information would have been provided.”

Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess (SNP, Helensburgh and Lomond South) added: “I know from personal experience that one problem with GDPR is that a wet signature is sometimes required. You need somebody to physically sign a piece of paper.”