Decision

To approve the purchase of a used roll-on, roll-off hook-lift vehicle to facilitate material skip movements at the Sands Farm Material Recovery Facility (MRF), and a new scissor lift (Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) to support essential MRF plant maintenance.

Reasons for the decision

1. The Cabinet decision of 9 December 2025 approved a joint venture agreement for the operation of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) facility with Norse Group. A Local Authority Trading Company (LATCo) was created, Wiltshire Norse Limited at Companies House under company number 16973941.

2. Wiltshire Norse Limited in accordance with Clause 22 (Acquisition of Vehicles, MRF Equipment and Plant) of the Service Agreement, will place the order, the Council shall produce a novation agreement pursuant to which the Council will assume ownership of these assets and make them available to Wiltshire Norse Limited for use in the delivery of the Services, at no cost to Wiltshire Norse Limited.

3. The used vehicle is a Mercedes Actros 18-tonne hook-lift loader lorry that will operate solely within the Sands Farm site. The anticipated daily vehicle mileage and operating hours do not necessitate the procurement of a brand-new vehicle; a used model provides best value for money in this case. The purchase price of the vehicle is £16,800 +VAT.

4. The purchase price of the new scissor lift (Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) is £14,367 plus VAT, inclusive of a one-year service package and compliance inspection requirements under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).

5. The total capital expenditure is £31,167 plus VAT.

6. Capital budget provision was agreed by Capital Investment Programme Board on 14 November 2025. Prices secured by the new provider (Wiltshire NORSE) are in line with budget allocation.

I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the following in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution:

Key decision requirements:

Views of relevant cabinet member(s), committee chairman, area board(s): Waste Transformation Board briefed in requirement for capital purchase of key assets early in the programme.

Consultation with cabinet member(s), the Leader and Scrutiny (for Executive decisions taken under Emergency Powers): Yes – consultation undertaken with Cllr Paul Sample JP, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate and Waste.

Consultation in accordance with the council’s consultation guidance and the views emanating from that process: N/A

Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or procedure: Supports policy decision to transfer Material Recovery Facility (MRF) operations to a new LATCo provider.

Staffing, financial and legal implications: N/A

The assessment of any associated risks in accordance with the Council’s risk management strategy: N/A

Involvement of appropriate statutory officers and/or corporate directors and directors: N/A

Regional or national guidance from other bodies where relevant: N/A

The council’s constitution, including the Procurement and Contract Rules (Part 10) and the Financial Regulations and Procedure Rules (Part 9), all relevant guidance, legislation, codes of practice, and protocols: This decision is made with due regard to the Council's Procurement and Contract Rules (Part 10) and the Financial Regulations and Procedure Rules (Part 9), all relevant guidance, legislation, codes of practice, and protocols and Scheme of Sub-delegation dated 1 June 2026.

Alternative options considered

2. Purchase of a brand-new vehicle. Additional cost unjustified given scope of activity does not require traversing the public highway and will only be used to move waste containers between operational areas on a privately owned site.

3. Purchase of existing MRF scissor lift from Hills. Existing asset considered unlikely to provide reliable service for the duration of the new service commencement from 1 August 2026.

4. Arrangement with the outgoing service provider to facilitate container movements.