Decision details

The Commercial Services Manager submitted a report recommending for approval proposed renewal plans for the corporate vehicle fleet used and operated by the Council.

It was reported that the majority of the Council’s current vehicle fleet was procured in 2011, with the terms of the main Council lease covering an original term of 5 years.  This was extended for an additional 12 months to allow for similar expiry dates for all vehicle hire arrangements.

During this period of extension, a fundamental review was carried out by Commercial Services to ascertain the Council’s future vehicle fleet requirements.  This involved reviewing existing work practices and looking at how these could be adapted and improved to reduce the need for vehicle use, as well as identifying where costs and resources could be streamlined.

The review explored both purchase and lease options, and a pricing exercise was carried out with assistance from Finance and the NHS Procurement service.  The results of the exercise showed that greater savings would be made by leasing the fleet.

It was also reported that an electric van and car were trialled to success.  As a result it was proposed that one small electric van would be used for car parks, and up to 3 electric cars would be used for technical officers within the Operational Services Division.

The outcome of the review forecasted a combined net reduction from 197 to 152 vehicles.  The review was dynamic and fleet usage was rationalised and reduced throughout the process.

The Commercial Services Manager highlighted that this rationalisation of the fleet has produced monetary savings on lease and short-term hire vehicles in 2016/17 compared to 2015/16.  It was also expected that the renewal of the remaining 152 vehicles would realise incur further savings.

*RESOLVED-

1.   That a 5-year lease arrangement with Essential Fleet Services Limited for the vehicles outlined in Appendix 1 to the officer’s report, be approved.

2.   That a 5-year lease arrangement with Plan UK Limited t/a Automotive Leasing for the vehicles outlined in Appendix 2 to the officer’s report, be approved.

REASON FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

To replace the current vehicle fleet operated by Council services and achieve a more uniform approach to the management of vehicles going forward.