Decision Maker: Shared Services Joint Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 26, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED:    a)            To note the progress that has been made in the due diligence process in connection to the disaggregation of the IT services provided from WNC to NNC (3 votes for, 0 against, 2 abstentions).   b)            To approve the decision to disaggregate the IT service provided by WNC to NNC, with the exclusion of the IT services provided to the Children’s Trust and those included within the Business Systems arrangements (3 votes for, 0 against, 2 abstentions).   c)             To approve that NNC will fund the one-off costs of disaggregation and 75% of any stranded costs incurred directly and unavoidably as part of disaggregation, for a maximum period of 18 months from the start of the disaggregation process (3 votes for, 0 against, 2 abstentions).   d)            To delegate authority to the Section 151 Officers of both councils to jointly agree the final cost implications of the disaggregation (3 votes for, 2 against).   e)            To note that the existing governance arrangements in the form of the Strategic Oversight Board and Project Delivery Board continue to oversee the delivery of an exit plan (3 votes for, 0 against, 2 abstentions).   Reasons for Recommendations   NNC requires its IT service to be insourced to enable it to deliver its strategic ambitions and deliver best value for its residents. The councils successfully separated the Digital functions in 2023. North Northamptonshire Council will be self-sufficient in terms of its IT arrangements from March 2027. It is therefore appropriate that both councils continue the disaggregation of the Core IT service, informed by robust due diligence and overseen by strong joint governance working within a set of sound principles that have been agreed.   Alternative Options Considered   Not to consider a proposal to disaggregate IT Services. Both councils need to be able to independently align their IT resources to their strategic aims which best meet their residents’ and communities’ needs. Carrying out thorough due diligence, overseen by joint governance arrangements, working within agreed principles, ensures the right assurance around the disaggregation. The ‘do nothing’ option is not therefore recommended.