The Cabinet has decided to procure a new Wide Area Network (WAN) provider for Cheshire West and Chester Council.

URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1976

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To ensure the provision of cost-effective, fit for purpose, modern network services for Cheshire West and Chester. Decision to procure a new provider.

Content: To ensure the provision of cost-effective, fit for purpose, modern network services for Cheshire West and Chester. Decision to procure a new provider. Cabinet considered the report of the Assistant Chief Executive - Director of Transformation and Strategy concerning network provision.  Members noted that a Wide Area Network (WAN) is a series of internet connections across the council’s geographic area and these connections ensure council buildings and places of work have a connection to the internet. The current WAN contract was due to expire on 3 February 2026 and the report set out the recommended option for procuring the Council’s network provision.   Members were informed that Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East Councils, along with partners including Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Services, currently lease WAN connections, with support and contract management for network services provided by Cheshire East Council ICT Shared Service. Members noted that this sharing of network resources would continue until phase 2 of the Programme Gemini was completed. The report also detailed how network technology had evolved and that organisations had undergone significant transformations since the start of the current WAN contract, driving requirements for a different approach to WAN capability.   Cabinet welcomed the report and the opportunity this presented for procurement of the contract and were supportive of the direction of travel, acknowledging that moving at pace now would help Programme Gemini to accelerate and align with expiry of the current WAN contract.   Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Stuart Bingham, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride.   Visiting Members:  Councillor Lynn Gibbon spoke in relation to the item.   Councillor Pardoe confirmed to the Visiting Member that the £170,322 operating budget for the Council’s sites was within the overall £1m expenditure in 2024 with the current supplier.  He also confirmed that this direction of travel reflected the advancements in technology, resulting in a reduction in overall costs and a better service.   DECIDED:    That   the Chief Operating Officer and Section 151 officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, be delegated authority to award a new Wide Area Network (WAN) contract for Cheshire West and Chester Council.   Reason for Decision   1)            Since the introduction of the current WAN contract both CWC and CEC have undergone significant transformation. 2)            Network technology has evolved, and a “software-defined” WAN (SD WAN) can now be delivered in a much more efficient and flexible way to provide connectivity at the right place and the right time, for a more affordable price. 3)            To ensure the provision of cost-effective, fit for purpose, modern network services it is essential the Council awards the new contract in sufficient time to allow for the secure migration of services. ·         The recommended action is the most cost-effective to ensure best value from the market. ·         The Council will receive the maximum benefit from the option proposed as it should enable an earlier completion of Phase 2 of Programme Gemini and disaggregation of the ICT retained shared service.   Alternative Options   A number of alternative options were considered alongside procurement via a framework, as detailed in the table below:   Option Impact Risk Extend existing contract Ensures business continuity with minimal change. May not provide best value or meet business requirements but will be reviewed following the results of soft market testing.   Open procurement procedure Wider reach of suppliers Extends timeline A new service will meet current business requirements Would not meet the February 2026 timeframe and would put business continuity at risk. Would incur additional costs and would require additional resources.      

Date of Decision: June 11, 2025