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Housing Management System Contract – MRI
Orchard (2025–2027)
A new two-year contract is being entered into with MRI Software
Ltd. Although this is a new contract, it represents a continuation
of the existing service provision. The new contract will run from 1
October 2025 to 30 September 2027, at a total cost of
£150,017.80 (excluding VAT).

Reasons for the decision

The previous Housing Management System
contract with MRI Software Ltd commenced on 1 April 2019 and
expired on 31 March 2025.
Guildford Borough Council is currently undertaking a major Housing
Improvement Programme, which includes a comprehensive review of all
business systems. A long-term decision regarding system procurement
will be made once the future service model has been fully
defined.
To ensure continuity of service during this transitional period and
to enable careful planning for future procurement, a new two-year
contract is being entered into with MRI Software Ltd. Although this
is a new contract, it represents a continuation of the existing
service provision.
This contract aligns with Waverley Borough Council, which also uses
the MRI/Orchard managed solution. Extending the contract supports
system continuity and ongoing collaboration between the two
councils, creating a stable foundation for future joint procurement
and enabling a coordinated transfer to a new housing management
system when agreed.
Procurement Route:
A direct award via the Crown Commercial Service: Technology
Products & Associated Services 2 Framework (Lot 8 –
Catalogue). This is a compliant route previously used by Guildford
BC for MRI solutions, and it supports flexible contract
durations.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 Go to market immediately:
Would require procurement before the service model is defined,
risking misalignment, inefficiency, and resource diversion.
Option 3 Allow contract to expire and use contingency
systems:
Not viable due to legal and service delivery risk