Decision

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

a.      Noted the progress made since approval of the Housing IT System Programme in 2024; 

b.      Noted the findings and recommendations arising from the programme review and reset undertaken following initial implementation activity; 

c.      Noted the revised programme delivery approach (Option 4); and 

d.      Approved the award of a new contract to MRI for Open Housing and associated supporting systems, via the appropriate compliant procurement route, for a period of up to two years to maintain business continuity whilst the BRIK solution is being implemented and notes that the associated costs will be managed within the HRA's approved financial planning framework. 

RESON RESOLVED:

1. As a Registered Provider of Social Housing, the Council must ensure that critical housing services remain operational, resilient and compliant at all times. The housing management system underpins essential landlord functions, including rent collection, repairs management, tenancy administration, compliance management, customer contact and performance reporting. Any transition to a replacement platform must therefore be delivered in a controlled way, with sufficient assurance that data migration, integrations, testing, business readiness and service continuity arrangements are in place before implementation progresses. 
2. The recommended approach, Option 4, provides the most credible and lower-risk route to safe delivery. Extending the programme by 18 months will allow the Council to reset delivery around confirmed dependencies, strengthen programme governance and assurance, secure the specialist capacity required, and complete the technical, data and business readiness activity needed before go-live. It also enables the Council to award a new contract to MRI for Open Housing and associated supporting systems so that existing services can continue safely while the BRIK Housing solution is implemented. 
3. The recommendations also protect the investment already made in the replacement housing               system and support delivery of the intended long-term benefits, including improved reporting,               stronger regulatory compliance, enhanced digital access, better data quality and improved               customer experience. Using the existing Housing Revenue Account budget allocation means the revised approach can be delivered without a new growth request, while providing Cabinet with               a more realistic, evidence-based delivery plan that reduces operational, financial and regulatory risk. 

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

Option 1 – Do Nothing 

Option 2 – Increase Resources and Maintain Current Timelines 

Option 3 – Extend Programme by 12 Months 

Option 4 – Extend Programme by 18 Months (Recommended) 

Option 5 – Stop Programme