Decision ref
0085 2025/26
Decision date
17/03/2026
Portfolio
People, Performance and IT
Wards
None
Title
Permission to renew current WAN on a 1 year extension.
Summary
To maintain continuity of existing services and avoid any disruption to Council operations, we propose extending the current arrangement with VMO2 while we assess future connectivity options.
Purpose
To provide detailed information and clarity regarding the recommendation to extend the current service provision, ensuring alignment with the Council’s ICT connectivity needs and the ongoing operational requirements this service supports.
Additionally, this report seeks approval for the necessary funding to facilitate the proposed renewal.
Background
The recommendation is to proceed with a one‑year renewal with VMO2, with the option of a further one‑year extension if required. This approach allows the Council to maintain current service levels without any increase to the overall annual spend and without the need for capital investment, while retaining the flexibility to determine an appropriate long‑term connectivity strategy.
It also provides the necessary time to assess the potential benefits of the town‑fibre initiative and the Liverpool City Region Digital Infrastructure (LCRDI) programme, and how these may enhance future connectivity options.
An options appraisal for a long‑term solution will be required; however, this work has been delayed due to ongoing building assessments and the review of key infrastructure components, such as the Council’s VPN solution. Ensuring that the correct communication and connectivity framework is in place will be essential to support these forthcoming changes.
Since 2020, the Council has benefited from minimal contract price increases. While the provider has agreed to maintain pricing at the 2025/26 rate, the reduction in the number of connected sites has resulted in an increase in individual site‑level costs for this renewal.
Conclusion
Recommended Option: 1‑Year Renewal with VMO2 (with an optional +1‑year extension)
For the reasons outlined above, this option represents the most cost‑effective and strategically appropriate approach available at this time. A short‑term renewal will enable the Council to maintain continuity of service while providing the flexibility needed to explore emerging technologies and develop a future‑focused connectivity strategy that aligns with the Council’s long‑term digital ambitions.
The current WAN service is playing a diminishing role as the Council increasingly adopts cloud‑based solutions and continues to reduce its physical estate. In this context, extending the existing arrangement is the most logical and least disruptive course of action, allowing the organisation to undertake a thorough strategic review over the next twelve months.
This renewal requires no capital investment, and the associated revenue costs are already accounted for through inter‑departmental recharges and income contributions from schools supported under Project Code 7100090 and Account Code A45008.
As this connectivity forms a core operational requirement, this proposal may be referenced again in future decision‑making as appropriate.
Risk Implications
Failure to renew the contract would result in the loss of connectivity across multiple sites, significantly impairing the Council’s ability to deliver the full range of digital services currently provided to residents. Renewal is therefore essential to maintain operational continuity and service quality.
Measures to Redress Risk
Renew the current contract to ensure continuity of service and prevent any disruption to essential connectivity.
Declarations Of Interest
None
Equality Impact Assessment
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More information
Please contact John Sharples on 01744 676514
