The lack of a proper system to tackle a fire affecting Bradford Council’s computer system is almost beyond belief, particularly as it is something auditors first warned about in 2007.

But rather than using it as a political football, it would be nice to see all parties come together to ensure there is no problem finally getting a proper disaster recovery system in place later this year, which is the latest estimate the Council is putting on it.

At the moment, a fire in the main server room at Britannia House, coupled with the lack of disaster recovery arrangements, could see the Council’s data processing capabilities completely knocked out.

Although the data itself is protected, the loss of the ability to process it, even for a short period, would be a major problem for any council.

The Conservatives are right to raise the question of the lack of provision, as highlighted by auditors.

But according to the Council’s Labour leader, Coun Ian Greenwood, it seems the scheme was actually due for completion in 2009, and it was the then Conservative administration that put it on hold.

It is reassuring that the money has now been placed in the budget for the full disaster recovery plan and facilities to be put in place later this year.

The savings made by stopping the project were a false economy.

Let us hope that we do not have an incident that proves this before this essential work is completed.