Decision details

It is RESOLVED that Cabinet:

(a)               approved delegated procurement authority to Director of IT & Programmes; 

(b)               recommend to Audit and Governance Committee to recommend to council to approve prudential borrowing of £11.2m to support delivery of the programme over 6 years.

It is RECOMMENDED that Cabinet recommend to Council:

(c)               to approve the business case for the delivery of a multi-year IT Infrastructure Capital Investment Plan to maintain, modernise and continue to secure the Council’s core digital infrastructure.

(d)               to approve recommendation for capital budget allocation of £11.2m over the period 2026–2032 to fund core IT infrastructure and a rolling program of end-user laptop replacement.

(e)               to prioritise MTFP growth of £2.8 million over 6 years to fund the prudential borrowing cost of £11.2 million IT investment.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transformation, Resources and Governance

Reason

Approval of the recommendations is required to enable IT & Programmes to deliver a structured, multi-year investment programme that maintains and modernises its core IT infrastructure in a controlled and financially sustainable way.

The proposed capital allocation of £11.2m and associated prudential borrowing provides the funding certainty needed to plan and deliver lifecycle-based replacements, avoiding a fragmented or reactive approach to investment.

Prioritisation within the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) ensures that the revenue implications of borrowing are recognised and managed over the life of the programme, maintaining affordability and alignment with BCP Council’s wider financial strategy.

Delegated procurement authority is required to enable timely and efficient delivery of the programme within approved budgets, ensuring BCP Council can respond to market opportunities and maintain continuity of IT services.

Recommendation to Audit and Governance Committee supports appropriate oversight and approval of prudential borrowing, ensuring the programme is delivered within BCP Council’s financial governance.