Decision

To enter a contract hire agreement with Day's Fleet for the supply of two Citroën Berlingo M Diesel 1.5D 100ps Van Enterprise Plus vehicles, including Fleetshield conversion, maintenance, tyres and recovery services for a 60-month term.

Reasons for the decision

The Pest Control Service requires the replacement of two operational vans which have reached an age where reliability has become a concern. Increasing vehicle age has resulted in a greater risk of breakdowns, increased maintenance requirements and potential disruption to frontline service delivery, VK07DHV is 19 years old and VN67RYC is 9 years old and maintenance and repairs cost have risen drastically over the last few years.

The Pest Control Service currently operates two vans which are due for replacement because of their age and declining reliability. Replacement vehicles are required to ensure continuity of frontline service delivery and minimise the risk of operational disruption arising from vehicle breakdowns. The service has experienced significant growth over the last five years, improving from minus -40.3% to plus +41.3%, demonstrating its increasing contribution and importance to the Council. Reliable vehicles are therefore critical to maintaining service performance and supporting future income generation.

The proposed Citroën Berlingo vans have been specified to meet operational requirements and include Fleetshield conversions suitable for pest control activities. The contract hire package includes maintenance, tyres and breakdown recovery, providing budget certainty and reducing fleet management risks over the 60-month contract term.

A procurement exercise has taken place and following receipt of three bids contractor Days Fleet was selected.

Alternative options considered

Continue operating the existing vehicles: This option was considered but rejected due to the age of the vehicles, increasing reliability concerns, the potential for higher maintenance costs and the risk of service disruption resulting from vehicle downtime.

Purchase vehicles outright: This option was considered but was not deemed to provide the same degree of budget certainty, maintenance support and lifecycle management as the proposed contract hire arrangement.

Do nothing: This option was rejected as suitable operational vehicles are required to maintain the effective delivery of the Council's Pest Control Service.