Issue - meetings

Members gave consideration to a report which requested approval to spend further Capital Budget in support the delivery of the CRM system.

The report detailed the background to the project, the previous decisions made and the reasons for the additional spend.

The full financial implications were detailed in the report and summarised to Members where it was stressed that the project remained with the agreed total budget but with the costs now needing to be accurately reflected against that budget, having found a preferred solution and provider. It was also noted that due to the delay there would be a need to extend the arrangement with the current provider for an additional year, but again this had been accounted for.

In response to comments, Officers confirmed COVID-19 had hindered negotiations, but was not solely responsible for the delay.  This had been a complex procurement with over 11 options considered to ensure the best value for money.

The rationale for not having included the development management system within the first core phase build was shared with Members. 

Members were pleased that a supplier and preferred option had been identified.

RESOLVED that

(a)     capital expenditure of £52k to support the design and implementation of the Customer Relationship Management System be approved

(b)     £28k of the ICT Upgrade/Refresh Reserve be approved for use to fund the revenue costs of a 1 year extension to the Firmstep Achieve system  licence, maintenance and support contract.