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Ipswich Borough Council approves housing ICT system contract

News

Ipswich Borough Council has greenlit a three-year contract extension for its housing management software, aiming to maintain current systems while adhering to procurement rules.

The decision, made on 8 July 2024, authorises the Assistant Director for Housing to proceed with a direct award to Civica for the continued use of the council's current Repairs and Asset Management systems.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing approved the recommendation, which allows the council to retain its existing software while complying with procurement regulations. This decision covers using systems including Civica Servitor, Keystone, and DRS.

Key points of the decision include:

  • The contract will be awarded through an existing national framework.

  • Before finalising the contract, the Assistant Director for Housing will consult with several key officials, including the Section 151 Officer, Head of Legal Services, Head of Procurement, and Portfolio Holder for Resources.

  • The decision is subject to a call-in period, with a deadline of 15 July 2024.

  • If not called in, the decision will come into force on 16 July 2024.

This move aims to ensure continuity in the council's housing management operations while adhering to necessary procurement procedures.

The decision is classified as a key decision, highlighting its significance for the council's operations.

Residents and interested parties can find more information about this issue on the council's Democracy Online portal, where related documents are also available for public viewing.

Former Ipswich Town striker charged in £600k cannabis smuggling case

News

Former Ipswich Town striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged with attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through a UK airport.

The big picture: The 33-year-old, who spent two seasons at Portman Road from 2011 to 2013, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers in Scotland following the seizure of approximately 60kg of the drug at Stansted airport.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas playing for Ipswich Town
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas playing for TownAlamy

Key details:

  • Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, was arrested Wednesday in Gourock, Inverclyde.

  • He's accused of attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted airport.

  • Border Force officers found approximately 60kg of the drug in two suitcases from Bangkok.

  • Emmanuel-Thomas is set to appear at Carlisle magistrates court Thursday, charged with importing class B drugs.

60kg of cannabis
60kg of cannabis was seizedNCA

JET's Ipswich career: The journeyman joined Ipswich in 2011 for £1.1m from Arsenal, scoring nine goals in 75 appearances for the Tractor Boys. He left Ipswich in 2013 in a swap deal with Bristol City. He most recently played with Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship.

The bottom line: The NCA warns that cannabis smuggling into the UK carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence, contradicting misinformation some couriers receive about facing only fines.

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