Decision details

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation presented the report which was a follow on from the Unit 4 Contract Award Report approved by Cabinet on 25 September 2025 and Unit 4 System Upgrade & Transformation Report approved by Cabinet on 12 February 2025.

Decision:

The Cabinet:

1.    Approve the award of the Strategic Partner to the successful supplier.

2.    Approve the one-off capital investment cost to be incepted into the capital programme, to be funded from a combination of earmarked reserves and/or capital receipts

Reason for the decision:

The current Financial Management System is nearing the end of its lifecycle, which limits efforts to modernise. Challenges include fragmented financial processes, reliance on manual tasks, and a lack of self-service options for staff and suppliers. There are also number of inherent risks and compliance concerns regarding the existing system alongside high reliance on manually based financial transaction activities which is affecting the efficiency of the finance service and the wider organisation.

As stated in the September Cabinet report, Unit 4 have informed clients that the current on-premises version of Unit 4, which the council operates will be unsupported after 2026 and therefore this creates a burning platform to change and modernise the Financial Management System, but also an opportunity to drive through financial transformation programme throughout the Council.

Other options considered and rejected:

None.