DVLA repeats Target deal
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has signed a new two year contract with financial services outsourcing and software provider Target Group, taking over from the deal they agreed in 2014.
The company has supported the agency in introducing an automated system for paying vehicle tax, setting up almost 23 million direct debit accounts and collecting over £2.6 billion.
Rohan Gye, vehicle services manager at the DVLA, said: “We want to make paying vehicle tax for motorists as simple and convenient as possible in a way that suits them. With the support of Target’s payment services we are pleased to be able to offer millions of motorists an additional choice of paying vehicle tax by direct debit in annual, six monthly or monthly instalments.”
Civica acquires Abritas
Digital solutions provider Civica has acquired housing software company Abritas, whose software-as-a-service solutions are used by more than 170 local authorities and housing associations. The move provides Civica with a new capability in functions such as options and lettings services for tenants, and an online tool for mutual exchanges.
Gloucester wins award for Wi-Fi
Gloucester City Council has won the Gordon McIanaghan Award – for security innovation – for providing free public WiFi through its existing CCTV network in the city centre.
Integrating the two provide more cost-effective than providing them as standalone projects, and involved the installation of new high definition cameras and control room equipment. The WiFi service is part of more than 5 million BT hotspots across the UK.
BCS backs diversity in STEM careers
BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT has got behind the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Science Council in their launch of a new framework to help professional bodies assess and monitor their progress on diversity and inclusion.
It said the move reflects its belief that more needs to be done to encourage women and young people from ethnic backgrounds into careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Karen Tuck, head of policy and campaigns at BCS, said: “BCS has a long tradition of working to increase the participation of women in IT and is working hard to ensure that what we do in technology both inside and outside the institute is accessible to all. At heart this stems from the integrity rooted in the sound ethics and principles of the UK Chartered Institute for IT.”
