Purpose

The decision is to grant permission to procure a new contract for Council tax, Housing Benefits, Housing Benefits Overpayments, Business Rates and Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) software systems. The existing contract for these software systems expires on 25 September 2027.

Decision

The Lead Member has AGREED to:

1. Approve the Procurement Strategy for the Revenues & Benefits System Procurement for an expected total value as set out in the exempt from publication (Part B) Appendix 4 and any extension also set out in that exempt from publication (Part B) appendix for a contract expected to last five years with the option to extend up to a further five years and to commence in November 2026.
2. Authorise the Executive Director, following consultation with Commercial Assurance Panel and the Lead Member, to approve the award of the contract.
3. Authorise the Executive Director, following consultation with Commercial Assurance Panel and the Lead Member, and confirmation that the contract has met the necessary key performance indicators, to agree any extension provided for in the contract.