“TABLET computers for everyone” could be on the cards at Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire district councils under the new cabinet member for IT.

Following Conservative victories for both councils at the election, Vale leader Matt Barber and South Oxfordshire’s John Cotton have appointed their new cabinets.

As the two councils share most of their staff and services, both leaders’ appointments could affect the whole authority.

Among Mr Barber’s appointments are his cabinet member for IT – a new role for this year – Mohinder Kainth, a councillor for Faringdon.

Mr Barber said: “Mohinder has an IT background so we brought him in to help with the IT strategy, overseeing day-to-day operations and also looking forward to more cloud-based operations.

“Maybe everyone could have tablets or a smart watch, a little bit of blue-sky thinking – how do we use IT in years to come?”

Mr Barber appointed another Faringdon councillor Roger Cox as his deputy leader, and Mr Cox will also continue in his cabinet role for planning development management.

In another new appointment at the Vale, Wantage councillor Charlotte Dickson will take on the position for leisure including parks.

Mr Barber will take the cabinet role for economic development and property, another new role created out of two former jobs.

Abingdon Town Council leader Sandy Lovatt takes the lead on democratic services, Kingston Bagpuize councillor Eric Batts has picked up the position for HR and technical services and Elaine Ware has taken the portfolio for corporate strategy including grounds maintenance and waste.

At SODC, Mr Cotton said he has not made any dramatic changes, but a “minor reshuffle”.

He said his cabinet would look to make IT improvements for their council, and he would take a close interest, like Mr Barber, in attracting new businesses and high-paid jobs to the area.