Decision details

To procure and implement modern local network, telecommunications and customer service systems.

Matter for Decision

The Officer report recommended the purchase and implementation of a new hosted telecommunications systems including contact centre features for three years initially plus the potential to extend for a further two years.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources

Financial Recommendations

Recommended this scheme (which is included as a Capital Project Under Development within the Budget Setting Report) for approval by Council, subject to resources being available to fund the capital and revenue costs.

·       That the total cost of the project is £400,000 be funded from reserves.

·       That any revenue implications be addressed through the Mid-Year Financial Review.

·       That on approval, the scheme move from Projects Under Development to the Capital Plan.

Procurement Recommendation

That the Director of Business Transformation be given authority to take delegated decisions in consultation with the Executive Councillor, Chair and Opposition Spokes as required during the procurement process.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the ICT Client Manager.

In response to Members’ questions the ICT Client Manager said the following:

       i.          Networking equipment would be procured using the existing ICT contract with Northgate Information Solutions.

     ii.          The Northgate contract was for three to five years, to fit into the shared services plan. Partner organisations could fit into the system if required.

   iii.          The current Northgate contract was until 2018, and could be extended up to another five years.

   iv.          The intention was to replace the current council system split over five sites with one hosted by the ICT supplier (Northgate). This would allow flexi working at home and in the office. The system could be downsized if the number of council sites reduces.

    v.          It was advisable (for cost reasons) to move to an entirely new telecommunication system rather than mixing the old one with the new. The Council had entered into a contract for seven hundred and fifty users, and would be charged the same rate if these were not all used.

   vi.          Funding for the telecommunications work had been allocated in the Capital Program.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.