The Director of Finance reported upon the award of a contract, under delegated authority, for the provision and support of ICT security software. The contract was awarded to Software Box for a period of three years at a total cost of £107,000, with an option to extend it for a further year if it was considered advantageous to the Council. He outlined the tendering process and set out the key issues in relation to ICT security including the duty of care under the Data Protection Act to protect personal or sensitive information, including that stored in computer systems.

He reported also that Wirral was connected to the Government Secure Extranet (GCSx), which was used to exchange data with Government departments, other local authorities and the NHS. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) used this network to deliver benefits information to the Council and it was therefore essential to the effective provision of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. Since any network was only as secure as its weakest link, the Council had to comply with the GCSx Code of Connection in order to remain connected to the Government networks. The software procured as part of the tender delivered some of the requirements to ensure compliance was achieved.

Resolved – That the award of the contract to Software Box for a period of three years at a total cost of £107,000, with the option to extend it for a further year, be noted.