Purpose

Interim arrangement for purchase of fuel
pending taking part in bulk e-auction for provision form March
2026

Decision

1.    
Appendix 1 is not for publication on the basis that it contains
information relating to the financial or business affairs of any
particular person (including the
authority holding that information) as set out in paragraph 3 of
Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).
 
2.    
To approve a contract award to the Preferred Supplier for the
Contract Award Value included in Appendix 1 (the “Contract
Award Value”), using the Framework, for the provision of
liquid fuels for a seven-month period from 1st September
2025 to 31st March 2026.
 
 

Reasons for the decision

The decision will allow the Council to
continue delivering vital services to its residents at the lowest
cost commodity price.
 

Alternative options considered

Option 1:
Decommission the service or requirement – Not Recommended
 
1.    
Fuel is a critical element in ensuring the Council can deliver
several of its core services to the Borough and its residents
therefore this option is not recommended.
 
Option 2: Use an
existing contract, established by the Council, to provide the
supplies, services, and/or works – Not recommended
 
2.    
Whilst there is a provision for fuel supply within the existing
waste and street cleansing contract, analysis of this option
identified that it was unlikely to achieve financial or operational
benefits although it can be used as an emergency interim
measure.
 
Option 3: Undertake
a fully regulated competitive and compliant procurement process,
advertised to the market – Not Recommended
 
3.    
Whilst it is recognised that a fully regulated competitive
procurement process advertised to the market would deliver the
greatest level of competition a significant driver in establishing
this contract is putting in pace a supply arrangement at the
soonest opportunity. Typically, a full regulated competitive
procurement process can take between 12-24 months to conclude and
award a contract and for this reason it is not recommended for this
requirement.
 
Option 4: Procure
using a compliant framework, Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), or
Dynamic Market – Recommended
 
4.    
The recommended route to the market is to directly award the
services via the Framework which will enable the Council to access
pre-approved suppliers who have been assessed for quality,
capability, and value for money.