Purpose

Decision to commence procurement.

Decision

The Executive Resolved

That  (i)    the procurement of the Council's Revenues and Benefits Administration System through the Technology Products and Associated Services (TePAS) Framework be approved;

          (ii)   the retention of the existing MRI Revenues and Benefits Administration System as the Council's preferred solution be approved;

          (iii) the award of a three-year contract commencing on 1 November 2026 following completion of the procurement process be approved;

          (iv)  expenditure of up to £185,000 per annum for the duration of the contract be approved; and

          (v)   authority be delegated to the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to complete the procurement and enter into all necessary contractual arrangements.

Reason: These recommendations are made to ensure continuity of business-critical statutory services, maintain operational resilience, reduce implementation risk and provide stability throughout the Local Government Reorganisation transition period.