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To approve the purchase of 1 x electric
powered Luton van with tail lift for the Council’s bulky
waste service at a cost of £57,000.
 
To approve the award of the required purchase
contract to the supplier selected pursuant to the relevant
framework agreement (‘the contract’).
 
To finalise the terms and conditions of and
enter into the contract in consultation with the Head of Legal and
Democratic Services.

Reasons for the decision

The existing vehicle is now due for scheduled
replacement as it has come to the end of its useful economic life.
This vehicle also has a clutch problem that is likely to cost
£2,000 to repair and it is considered better value to
purchase a new van than to repair the old one.
 
The cost of the vehicle is £57,000. This
vehicle is on the capital replacement plan for the 2025/26
financial year.

Alternative options considered

HVO powered options were considered, but this
is not in keeping with the Council’s agenda to become carbon
neutral. Having both types of vehicles on the fleet, we have now
assessed that the electric version have lower running costs that
will pay back against the higher capital cost. For instance, to
fill an HVO version would cost £71 compared to a full charge
that would cost £30.
 
Hiring a replacement vehicle at £390 per
week was rejected on cost grounds.
 
To carry on using the current vehicle and risk
overspending on the budget for maintenance.