Decision Maker: Chief Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: August 29, 2024

Purpose: In February 2020 a contract was signed (by the Chief Executive) with CityFibre for the provision of 90 PSN (Public Service Network) connections through a West Sussex framework. Similar contracts were taken out by other councils across the county at around the same time. The terms of the contract stated that until 90% of these connections to council selected locations were completed, there were no monies payable. The contracted works were due for completion by 31st March 2023, however, at that point in time, none had been fully delivered. The supplier and the council have agreed to cancel the contract as neither party has any interest in seeing it delivered. PSN connections are no longer a requirement for local authorities (in fact government advice is to not commission further PSN connections) and so would be a waste of public funds. The funding for this contract came from a rates pool allocated to 'digital connectivity' across West Sussex and so were due to be at no cost to the Council. This contract is entirely separate from CityFibre’s own commercial roll out of fibre to residential and business properties across the borough.

Content: Approve the cancellation of the PSN Contract with CityFibre with immediate effect. The decision has been taken following full consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources and the Leader, who gave approval by email on 28th August 2024.