Decision details

Consideration was given to a report of the Fleet and Workshop Manager which sought approval for the purchase of new vehicles in financial years 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24 as part of the Councils existing Fleet Replacement Programme. The vehicles were required to replace existing vehicles as they came to the end of their economic life.

The Cabinet was informed that the Council introduced the Fleet Replacement Programme (FRP) in 2012/13 in accordance with the strategy approved by Cabinet on 6^th February 2012. The objective was to replace leased and hired vehicles gradually with purchased vehicles that would have a useful economical life ranging from 3 to 7 years. Since then Fleet Management had carried out this policy whenever a vehicle was due to be replaced.

The programme was now in its seventh year of operation and the purpose of acquiring vehicles by purchasing rather than leasing had been fully realised. A requirement for hired vehicles still existed but this was restricted to shorter term vehicle needs i.e. normally of six months duration or less. This gave flexibility to the programme of vehicle usage and allowed the service to meet business needs in a dynamic, supportive manner.

The point had now been reached where a significant number of Fleet vehicles needed to be replaced because they had reached the end of their economic useful lives. Replacement was due to begin in 2019/20 and a 5-year vehicle programme and associated funding requirement was proposed. The need for increased capital investment from 2019/20 onwards was highlighted.

Options/Alternatives considered:

Option1 - approval be given to commence procurement of vehicles in 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24 in line with the vehicle replacement programme.

Option 2 - Do not approve the report and delay the procurement of vehicles, which would mean no other option than to continue with the current Fleet and to hire in vehicles to cover breakdowns/ downtime at a premium cost to the Council.

RESOLVED – That the proposals be approved and new vehicles be purchased from 2019/20 onwards.