Decision

To approve the MRI Variation for SQL for a range of postcodes: Script Development License and maintenance required for the purchase of an additional module for the Academy system via Direct Award, as the total value of this procurement falls below the £5,000 low value threshold. The module will be procured at a one off cost of £4,900, with an additional annual Support and Maintenance charge of £1,825. 

Reasons for the decision

Approval is sought for the MRI Variation for SQL necessary before the purchase of an additional module for the Academy system. The Academy system is a platform already used by various departments within North Northamptonshire Council (NNC). The module is essential to enable the extraction and analysis of data required to produce the required Vacancy Register, a comprehensive survey of vacant commercial premises across the area.

This information will form the evidence base needed to identify which of the four growth towns—Corby, Kettering, Rushden, or Wellingborough—should be selected as the pilot area for implementation of the HSRA powers.

Once the module is installed and the vacancy survey completed, a public consultation will be undertaken. The findings of both the data review and the consultation will be presented in a future report to Executive, which will determine the town selected to progress to the next stage of the HSRA process.

The one-off purchase cost of £4,900 will be reimbursed using funding provided by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). An annual support and maintenance package (£1,825) will be funded by the Assets Team who will use the module to support ongoing HSRA programme delivery.

The module will be procured via Direct Award, as permitted under the Council’s procurement rules for low value purchases below the £5,000 threshold.

This decision is made in accordance with 9.2 of the Constitution Officer Scheme of Delegation under 11. Delegation Table - Budgets, Accounts and Assets:

To approve tenders for the provision of goods and services, in accordance with the thresholds set out in financial regulations and the Approval of Tenders – thresholds.

All Corporate Leadership Team

Up to £100,000 in value in all cases, where budgetary provision exists. Between £100,000 in value and the total value threshold set out in public procurement directive PCR2015, where budgetary provision exists.

The vacancy review enabled by this module will identify the town with the highest number of vacant premises and combined with the results of public consultation, will form the basis of a recommendation to Executive.

A report will be brought forward in due course for Executive to:

•         Consider the findings of the vacancy analysis;

•         Review the outcomes of public engagement; and

•         Determine which town should proceed to the next stage of the HSRA process.