Issue - meetings

      Report of the Chief Executive.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Street Scene, and Flooding introduced the report.

Cllr Thomas highlighted that the report related to the provision of liquid fuel to depots and salt stores and that the current contract was due to expire on 31 March 2024. The new framework agreement would have the benefit of lower prices from economies of scale. The annual spend on liquid fuel was £1.2m and the tender period would be April 2024 to March 2028. This would allow the Council to change to alternative fuel types over the course of the contract in line with the emerging fleet strategy to move towards carbon neutrality.

Cllr Graham Wright, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, relayed comments from Cllr Jerry Kunkler, Chairman of the Environment Select Committee (ESC). Cllr Kunkler stated that the ESC had received a briefing on 7 June, where they touched upon contingencies during fuel shortages and how the contract fitted with the transition towards lower carbon fuels. The ESC felt that this was a sensible approach that enabled continuity of supply with flexibility and value for money.

Cllr Thomas, seconded by the Leader, proposed the recommendations as per the report.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

a)    Approve a mini-competition for liquid fuel through the YPO Framework for supply of fuels and associated products and services.

b)    Delegate authority to the Director of Highways and Transport, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, Street Scene and Flooding to deal with all ancillary matters pertaining to the competition and the award of the User Agreement with the Provider selected (most economically advantageous provider) and placing orders under the contract.

Reason for decision:

To comply with The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (as amended).

To ensure the best value provision of liquid fuels is achieved.