Decision details

Consideration was given to a report which requested supplementary budgets for procurement of a replacement vehicle fleet. The procurement process would inform the decision on whether to lease or purchase the fleet. Some concern was expressed in relation to the uncertain future of diesel vehicles and it was agreed that consideration would be given to feasibility of electric vehicles for the smaller vehicles.

It was requested that the report should be brought to the Scrutiny Commission for review of the outcomes of the procurement exercise to inform the decision to purchase or lease the fleet, although the tight timescales were noted.

Concern was expressed about potential parking problems should staff take the vehicle home with them. In response it was noted that there was sufficient parking for all of the larger vehicles on site and acknowledged that the parking of some vehicles at home enabled operatives to work more efficiently. Members were assured that, for those vehicles that were taken home, employees were asked to park considerately.

It was moved by Councillor Nickerson, seconded by Councillor Allen and

RESOLVED –

(i)            Procurement of the vehicle fleet and the associated supplementary budgets as follows, be approved:

(a)  A supplementary capital budget of £3,855,500 for fleet and equipment procurement;

(b)  A supplementary capital budget of £82,100 for the procurement of retained vehicles which is to be funded from the grounds machinery reserve;

(c)  A supplementary revenue budget of £609,004 for the annual financing cost which will replace the current revenue budget of £396,000;

(d)  An increase in the council’s capital financing requirement of £3,855,500 to allow the purchase.

(ii)           The decision on purchase and/or lease of fleet and equipment be delegated to the relevant officer in consultation with the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services.