Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Community and Resources, which sought approval to extend three contracts currently provided by Northgate Public Services (UK) Limited, relating to the Council’s Revenues and Benefits Computer System.

The Board was advised that the Council had successfully operated the Northgate system for over 15 years, for the provision of housing benefits, council tax support, council tax and business rates. There were three contracts with Northgate in relation to the revenues and benefits computer system, as set out in the report.

Members were advised that the scale of the system meant that any changes would require significant preparatory work, a lengthy lead-in time, additional staff resource and significant costs. Initial discussions had been held with Northgate regarding the extension of all three contracts in order to have a co-terminus end date of 31 March 2021. A number of factors would support this extension in terms of value for money, which included that as well as being the market leader, Northgate were the Council’s existing supplier; the system was compatible with the Council’s Home Working Policy; and the likelihood of increased capital and revenue costs in terms of the implementation of a new system.

RESOLVED: That

1)    the extension to the Northgate DOL.mailroom over 4 years and 7 months be approved;

2)    the extension of the Northgate Information@work contract over 4 years and 2 months be approved;

3)    the extension of the Northgate Revenues and Benefits contract over  3 years and 8 months be approved; and

4)    the Waiver of Procurement Standing Order 4.1, Competition Requirements, be approved in the light of the exceptional circumstances and on the basis that compliance would result in a clear financial detriment to the Council, as set out in paragraphs 3.4 to 3.10 of the report.