£1.59 million could be spent on new Telford council IT system

Subject to cabinet approval, the planned £1.59m procurement is taking place because the contracts with the council’s current providers end in March 2018.

The council is currently carrying out a review of business needs with a view to bringing in an ICT system solution suitable to meet the wider requirements of both Children’s and Adults Services.

A report to cabinet – which meets on May 18 – says that Telford & Wrekin Council has worked alongside and supported Shropshire Council with the scoping and procurement they have done for their own new system.

This has ensured that the council can access the same contract through a compliant procurement process.

Clive Jones, Telford & Wrekin Council’s director of Children’s and Adult Services, said: “It was agreed with Shropshire Council that their invitation to tender would state that Telford & Wrekin Council may wish to join their contract in the future should we agree on the same provider.

“This does not commit us but does provide a cost effective option for us to proceed.

“There are advantages to us procuring the same system as Shropshire including economies of scale, sharing resources in terms of project teams and expertise.

“I am confident that their decision to go with their chosen supplier was informed by a thorough and robust evaluation and assessment process, which we were part of. Equally we believe this approach will meet our system and service needs.

“We have always said we will work with whoever we need to as long as it benefits the residents of Telford and Wrekin.

“Subject to cabinet approval, we are planning to invest in this new system because it will support the improvements in working practice, reduce duplication and realise savings.

“The council is committed to working with its partners particularly the voluntary and community sector, local providers of care and support, health partners and of course service users and family carers to develop services for residents that help them to live as independently as possible with minimal council support or intervention.

“The new system will support all of the work of Adults and Children’s Services, including social care, safeguarding, and early help and prevention.

“This investment will allow us to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and streamline systems which will lead to reduced costs and improvements in the client service and experience.”

The majority of the funding for the project will come from the council’s capital programme.

The May 18 cabinet is being asked to approve funding for the project and to delegate authority to senior council officers to proceed with the next stage of procurement for the system.