Purpose

Dar to commence procurement for supplier of Corporate fuel cards

Decision

For the reasons set out in this report, the Corporate Director has decided to:

commence a procurement exercise to acquire a contract for the provision of fuel cards with an expected duration of 4 years for a total estimated value of £7,048,440.00 excluding VAT.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing – this would not be a favourable option because fuel cards are a crucial service to ensure the proper functioning of the Council’s vehicle fleet without which there would likely be significant detrimental impact on various services.…

Install a fuel bunkering facility – An alternative would be for the Council to install a fuel bunkering facility in Newton Road depot. This would not be a favourable option. Presently, Newton Road depot is subject to a feasibility study with various options being considered. It is envisaged that fuel cards, which is the current primary method of obtaining fuel, would gradually move to a secondary source in favour of EV and alternative fuel provision.  It is essential for the transition and also providing a strong business continuity alternative for maintaining statutory services in an emergency.

Replace all vehicles with EV vehicles – this would not be a favourable option, whilst it is an ambition of the Council in the long term, the timescales are too long and there is a need to service the current fleet vehicles for which the use of fuel cards is a crucial part.