Decision details

The 2020/21 capital programme includes provision for the replacement of a substantial proportion of the council’s refuse vehicle fleet.  In accordance with the constitution, this report seeks approval of a key decision to commit £2.2m of the budget allocation for the purchase of 11No. 26 tonne freighters.

Cabinet approved Option 1 in the Cabinet report, which was to commit £2.2m from this year’s approved capital programme budget on the purchase of 11No. refuse freighters.

The council operates an in-house waste and recycling service. A comprehensive vehicle replacement programme is necessary in order for the council to meet statutory obligations in terms of the collection of household waste as required by the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The council’s vehicles have a finite life beyond which it is uneconomical to continue to maintain and operate them.

The alternative option not to approve this key decision was rejected as it would ultimately leave the council unable to fulfil statutory obligations with regard to household waste collections.