How do you rate this information / service?

On the 25thMarch Cumbria County Council will select its preferred partner to secure a multi-million pound investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The decision will signal the start of detailed negotiations towards agreeing a seven-year contract to deliver ICT services to the Council.  The deal will attract substantial investment from the private sector partner, radical improvements to current ICT arrangements and is crucial if the Council is meet the challenge of

e-government.

Councillors will consider a recommendation from the Council’s Cabinet to select Agilisys as its preferred partner. County Councillor, Kevan Wilkinson spokesman on ICT explains: 

“Improving the Council’s ICT services is crucial if we are to meet the expectations of the public and provide a wide range of modern services. The need for modern communication networks with high quality support cannot be ignored. We have to keep pace with technological change and on its own the Council simply doesn’t have the resources or expertise needed. That’s why this partnership is an integral part of our Invest To Improve Programme. We’ll be investing an additional £2m a year, which will attract much more from our private sector partner. 

Cabinet had a very difficult choice between Agilisys and Capita before it made a recommendation to Council. A full and thorough examination of all the issues was undertaken of both bids. Once Council has made a decision we will enter into detailed contract negotiations, with a final agreement in place for the new arrangements to start in August this year.” 

Under the contract the Council’s private sector partner will provide a full range of ICT support services. This will include professional advice, ongoing maintenance and a rolling programme of updating the Council’s ICT equipment. County Council staff currently involved in providing these services will transfer to the partner organisation with both employment and pension rights protected.