NEW councillors elected to Malvern Hills District Council will have to provide their own computers to keep abreast of council matters.

However, existing councillors who are re-elected and currently use council equipment will be able to continue using it for the next six months.

The current system has allowed councillors to use their own computers or a council-provided laptop to access the council's e-mail system and council documents such as agendas and reports.

However, this has put added pressure on the council's IT services in giving support to councillors. Malvern Hills District Council's full council decided that existing councillors who are re-elected in tomorrow's poll will be able to retain council computers for six months when the loan of equipment will be reviewed.

New councillors will have to provide their own computers, although they will be able to claim up to £250 towards the purchase price and will be responsible for their maintenance. The council decided to provide £20 a month towards on-going IT costs .