Agenda item

Pursuant to Cabinet Minute No. 20 (2023/2024) the Asset Management and Programmed Works Manager presented a report on options for replacing the Council’s fleet. It was noted that the majority of the Council’s fleet was ageing, and the current lease was due to expire early 2024 with no option to extend.

The Council’s Climate Change Strategy target was for the Council to be carbon neutral by the year 2030. Decarbonisation of the Council’s fleet was a key action to achieving this target, due to emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles. The report described the proposed journey towards a fully carbon neutral fleet.

RESOLVED –

1.    That the principle of replacing the current fleet with a new lease of 34 electric vehicles and using short term hire for the Council’s remaining vehicle requirements, as part of a phased approach to decarbonising the fleet before 2030, be agreed.

2.    That responsibility for the associated procurement activity and budget decision making be delegated to the Service Director – Housing, in conjunction with the Service Director – Finance, the Deputy Leader, the Cabinet Member for Housing and the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning and Environment.

3.    That responsibility for entering into the associated legal contracts be delegated to the Service Director – Housing in conjunction with the Service Director – Finance and the Monitoring Officer.

4.    That the additional costs of taking forward the recommended option be funded through the Council’s General Fund Revenue and Housing Revenue Account budgets for the financial year 2024/2025.

5.    That an annual report be prepared to update Council on the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of implementation of the recommended option.