Decision details

The Committee considered the report presented by the Environmental Services Business Manager, which informed the Committee of a provisional roadmap, milestones and strategy towards the electrification of the NSDC fleet. To increase understanding of the operational and political complexities this shift would bring in terms of short, medium and long term plans and to alert the Council to the additional capital expenditure that any such programme would require.

Members commented that hydrogen power and bio-fuel could be used as an alternative to electrification for the heavy vehicle fleet. The cost of replacing the fleet would be a considerable expenditure.  The capacity for charging and storing the vehicles at the Council’s depot site was also questioned.  The Business Manager confirmed that the depot site may be on the small size, however space could be utilised at Farrar Close, which would be considered by the working group.

AGREED             (unanimously) that:

(a)                the phased approach towards electrification that has been set    out in the report, starting with small scale pilots, before looking at two possible phases of transition – 2023-26 for small vans          and fleet, subject to business case, and post 2026 for larger           vehicles, subject to business case, be approved;

(b)                the current uncertainties in setting out the long-term route       map, but ask the project team to continue working on a   masterplan for the development of the depot site, taking into               consideration the National Waste and Resources Strategy and    future requirements given the Government’s 2030 target. This      would significantly assist in off-setting costs if government               grants become available for shovel ready schemes, be noted;

(c)                 a recommendation to Policy and Finance Committee at its next               meeting on 1 April 2021, that an amendment is made to the    capital programme to the increase the Capital replacement         programme for small vehicle replacement during 21/22 by £34k               to allow the already scheduled replacement of two suitable             ULEV’s to be purchased in line with the phased approach being            set out in this report; and

(d)                a recommendation to Policy and Finance Committee that the     sum of £30,000 is allocated from the Capital Feasibility Reserve,             to allow a small working party made up of Director    Communities and Environment, Business Manager         Environmental Services and Asset Management to undertake a        study into the future requirements of the operational depot at               Brunel Drive. This study will lead to a report that sets out a          roadmap for future development and utilisation by front line             services. It will, amongst other things look at future      requirements for Waste Management and the requirement for            more vehicles through the National Waste Strategy. It will look               at parking and charging requirements for all departments, including Housing vehicles as well as electrical needs,           possibilities and central grants. The budget will allow the employment of external services such as Architects, M & E        specialists, Civils and ULEX experts etc.