Issue - meetings

Members of the Committee were asked to consider options regarding the provision of the civic car. The Director of Corporate Services explained that the Council owned a car which was purchased in 2020. The car, with a driver also employed, was for use by the Chairman or Vice Chairman when carrying out civic duties. It was noted that in the last two years, the car had been rarely used, although the availability of a vehicle was essential in ensuring that all Members, regardless of whether they could drive or have access to a car, were fully able to carry out the role of Chairman.

Since 2019, an annual revenue contribution of £10,000 had been made to reserves to ensure there was sufficient funding available in an earmarked reserve to replace the car when needed. It was originally anticipated that the car would be replaced during 2024-25. In January 2024, a report on reserves was brought to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee and requested that the contribution of £10,000 be drawn down from revenue into reserves. At that time, Members of the Committee challenged the value for money in replacing the car in 2024-25 and asked Officers to consider further options and for the decision to be brought forward to the next Committee meeting.

The Committee heard that the current annual cost of the existing vehicle was approximately £2,400 dependent on mileage and use of the driver. This included insurance, vehicle road licence and MOT / Servicing. Funding for these costs was in the budget throughout the Medium-Term Financial Plan. There was £20,000 in the replacement reserve currently with the vehicle having a second-hand value of approximately £16,000.

Members were presented with three options for consideration, those being: to maintain the existing vehicle for 2024-25, with no further contribution made to the reserve, and a decision on the future vehicle provision to be sought no later than February 2025; to replace the vehicle with an electric vehicle using the trade-in value and reserves fund; or for the vehicle to be disposed of and no replacement sought.

On consideration of the options, Members expressed the need for additional work to be undertaken in terms of alternative options, such as using the civic car more akin to a pool car, climate friendlier options other than an electric vehicle, or ad hoc rental options. On this basis, recommendation a) within the report was duly proposed and seconded.

On taking the vote it was unanimously

RESOLVED that the existing civic car be maintained for 2024-25 with no further contribution made to the reserve for its replacement in 2024-25. A further decision for later replacement be brought back to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee no later than 28 February 2025.