On 21 November 2023, the Policy and Resources Committee approved the procurement of a Digital Transformation Partner, with delegated authority being given to the Director of Finance to appoint the successful bidder.  This report details the appointment of the Digital Transformation Partner.

The Director of Finance has approved the appointment of Microsoft Ltd pursuant to a call off contract under the Crown Commercial Services G-Cloud 13 framework for the provision of a Council wide digital transformation programme to modernise services as summarised at paragraph 3.3 of the attached report for a term of 3 years with an option for a further year at a total contract value of up to £5,000,000 based on a 4-year term.

The Director of Neighbourhood Services has approved the award of Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Beverages to LWC Drinks Ltd for 12 months with the option to extend by a further 12-month period. The estimated cost is £320,000.00. The purpose of the contract is to provide the Council with a compliant route to purchase both Alcoholic & Non-alcoholic beverages for resale at Council venues.

Decision to Direct Award via TUCO Framework TUCO Ref: CAT11067-TU Lot 5 One stop shop option.

This report sets out a proposal for the Council to enter into a funding agreement with Wirral Growth Company LLP (WGC) to allow it to procure, via a specialist contractor Ameon Utilities Limited, the delivery of a primary sub-station in Birkenhead Town Centre. Scottish Power Energy Network (SPEN), the electricity provider for the region has advised that the network in and around Birkenhead is operating at capacity and without the investment in a new primary substation the network will be unable to support future demand for electricity that will be generated from the implementation of projects drawn from the Council’s on-going regeneration plans for the area.

The project is ready to be delivered and when operational, the primary substation will help to support investment in a range of new developments that when completed will help to create a regenerated town centre which is a long-standing priority for the Council as reflected in the Wirral Council Plan 2023-2027 and the Birkenhead 2040 Framework. The recommendations contained in this report directly support the key priority within the Council Plan to “Continue our ambitious regeneration programme through increased investment, jobs and new businesses throughout the borough”,It also supports the people focused regeneration theme of the Council plan.

The Director of Law and Corporate Services has approved the Council entering into a development funding agreement and any other necessary associated legal agreements with Wirral Growth Company LLP (WGC) to allow the delivery of a primary substation on land to the rear of Europa Pools on Conway Street, Birkenhead.