Agenda and minutes

To receive declarations of personal and prejudicial interests, arising from business to be transacted at this meeting, from all Members present.

RESOLVED:  To note that no interests were declared by Members in relation to the business to be transacted at the meeting.

To consider whether the item listed on the agenda should be considered with the press and public present.

That all business be considered without the press and public present for the reason set out below:

Report of the Executive Director (Business Connections)

Members considered a confidential report from the Executive Director (Business Connections) in relation to the IT Strategic Partnership.

Members received a presentation from the Council’s appointed legal advisor. The Director of Business Services introduced the report and Members made a number of comments and suggestions.

An amendment in the name of Councillor Foulds was moved and it was

RESOLVED unanimously:  (1)  That the outline statement of requirements for the Business Transformation Partnership set out at Appendix C to the report of the Executive Director (Business Connections) be approved and that officers be authorised to develop this by discussions with potential partners throughout the procurement process;

(2)  that the procurement timetable set out at Appendix B to the report of the Executive Director (Business Connections) be approved and that officers be authorised to commence the procurement process by the placing of an OJEU Notice;

(3)  that Members agree to the shorter term measures contained in Section 7 to the report of the Executive Director’s (Business Connections) which had not been subject to previous policy decisions, namely the development of the business analysis team and the upgrading of the finance system by improving the current system;

(4)  that the Executive Director (Business Connections) (the appropriate non-statutory Chief Officer) be authorised to give a certificate under the Local Government (Contracts) Act 1997 identifying Section 2 of the Local Government Act 2000 (promotion or improvement of the economic, social and environmental well-being of the Borough) (and any other specific legislation specified by the Borough Solicitor) as the primary legislation relied upon for entering into the contract;

(5)  that the Council provide the Executive Director (Business Connections) with a sealed indemnity to cover liabilities which may arise under the certificate and for which the Council has power to give an indemnity (excludes ultra virus and bad faith acts which will not arise as a purpose of the certification procedure is to secure a proper process of due diligence).

Reason for Decision:  In order that the work outlined in the approved ICT Strategy can be delivered and that the Council’s finance systems are robust.