Agenda item

To receive the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods concerning the award of the contract  for the upgade of the CCTV system, camera IO network, maintenance, public WiFi and 4G coverage.

PLEASE NOTE: Appendix 1 to this report contains exempt material as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as amended. If Members wish to discuss the exempt material it will be necessary to pass a resolution to exclude the press and public.

103.1   Council considered a report of the Chair of the Licensing and Enforcement Committee concerning award of the contract for the upgrade of the city centre CCTV system, camera IP network, maintenance, public WiFi and 4G coverage.

103.2   Councillor Dallimore (Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods) moved the recommendations set out in the report.

103.3   Councillor James seconded the motion.

103.4   Councillor Dallimore explained that upgrading the CCTV system was important for keeping residents safe, which was identified as a priority in the City Vision. Following the approval of a motion to explore the provision of free WiFi in the City centre, it made sense to combine this with the CCTV upgrade, along with 4G technology which would provide better network coverage. She advised that these technologies were key to the development of the City and would attract businesses and visitors. She explained that the inclusion of public WiFi in the contract meant that it was necessary to increase the budget for the project.

103.5   Councillor Wilson welcomed the proposals for public WiFi and stated that in was key to Gloucester being seen as a modern tourist destination.

103.6   Councillor Hobbs suggested that the CCTV network should be used to enable residents and visitors to log on and see the City through the cameras as they do in other cities.

103.7   Councillor James stated that the proposals represented a major investment in the safety of residents and visitors, as well as promoting Gloucester as a modern City.

103.8   Councillor Dallimore thanked Members for supporting the project and undertook to investigate whether the CCTV cameras could be accessed by residents and visitors to the City.

103.9   RESOLVED –

(1)      The contract for the upgrade of the city centre CCTV system, camera IP network, maintenance, public WiFi and 4G coverage be awarded to British Telecommunications plc (BT) and for this to commence on 1 April 2015 for a period of five years with an option to extend to ten years, subject to satisfactory delivery of service during the initial five year period.

(2)      An additional £27,000 capital sum is agreed to cover the capital costs of this project.

(3)      An increase to the revenue budget, as set out in the financial implications, is agreed