Decision details

Continuation of current hardware and software firewall licences, and support services to ensure firewalls are maintained and that the Council has entitlement to use them

The Council's firewall licence agreement and associated support services expire on 31st March 2024. The Council operates firewalls to both protect the perimeter of its network, and to protect individual servers and devices. This provides a critical level of security protection for the Council's network and data.

Market conditions give highly preferential pricing to the incumbent supplier. Switching across to an alternative channel partner was considered but would cost more.

Furthermore, any change in supplier would risk not being completed in the timeframe available before the current licence expires. Allowing the licence to elapse or removing the use of a firewall would put the Council's network and data at significant risk of a cyber incident.

Council Constitution dated 31st January 2024, Part 3, Page 3-40, paragraph 2(c):

GENERAL DELEGATION TO ALL JOINT STRATEGIC DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE HEADS OF SERVICE, AND SERVICE LEADERS

2. To undertake the day-to-day management and operation of staff reporting to them and of the premises and services for which they are responsible in accordance with the policies and procedures laid down by the Council, including:

(c) entering into contracts (in consultation with the relevant Lead Councillor where the value is above £200,000), memoranda of understanding or other arrangements