08/07/04 - County Council IT Services

Cumbria county council has been monitoring recent developments at Jarvis PLC extremely closely. This is because Jarvis has a 40% share in Agilisys, the company chosen to be the Council’s strategic partner for Information Communications and Technology (ICT).   

As part of the due diligence process carried out before entering into contracts, high level discussions have taken place with the council’s external advisors and Agilisys.   

The Council’s interests are being protected. The recent news about Jarvis trading difficulties has prompted a rethink about the timetable until the position is clearer. Further consideration will be given by the county council’s Cabinet on the 20th July. In the meantime staff have been informed that there is a strong possibility that the transfer will be delayed.   

County councillor, Kevan Wilkinson, council spokesman for ICT services says: 

"We are committed to improving the county council’s ICT services alongside a private sector partner. Agilisys have been chosen as the council’s preferred partner and we look forward to working with them.   

However, we must be sure about their financial backing and will not finalise the deal until we have the assurances we need. If this means a delay in implementation, we shall delay"