2. That using the authority delegated via Gateway 1, the award of a contract for the Housing system by direct award to NEC Software Solutions UK Limited (NEC) through the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Vertical Application Solutions framework (RM6259) – Lot 3 (Housing, Environmental and Planning Solutions), for a period of five years from 1 July 2025 at a total cost of £2.2m, be approved.