URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2023

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The purpose of the report is to seek approval from Cabinet to award the new fleet maintenance service contract with Cheshire West Recycling (CWR) to align with the waste contract (i.e. 8 years + 4) and delegate authority to the Director of Transport and Highways to agree such other terms of the contract as necessary.

Content: The purpose of the report is to seek approval from Cabinet to award the new fleet maintenance service contract with Cheshire West Recycling (CWR) to align with the waste contract (i.e. 8 years + 4) and delegate authority to the Director of Transport and Highways to agree such other terms of the contract as necessary. Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Transport and Highways concerning the awarding of a contract for continued Fleet Maintenance to Cheshire West Recycling (CWR). This followed the outcome of a review to assess the suitability of CWR continuing to deliver the council’s Fleet Maintenance service beyond March 2026 when the current contractual arrangement comes to an end.  Members were reminded that CWR was a wholly-owned company controlled by the council and operating in accordance with co-operative principles and with a social and environmental purpose.   To help set the context, Members were reminded of the current kerbside recycling and waste collection contract entered into with CWR in 2020 and that a new kerbside and waste collection contract had been awarded to CWR, to commence in April 2026 for a period of eight years, with the option to extend for a further four years.   In addition, Members noted that in 2022, CWR had been awarded a two-year contract (with optional one year extension) to manage two new fleet workshops and provide continuity of service for the council’s Vehicle Operator License.  The council was seeking to renew this Fleet Maintenance contract to ensure consistency and operational alignment across both waste collection and fleet maintenance operations.   Members were informed that the council directly owned 147 vehicles across a variety of different council service areas and noted that there were also lease arrangements in place for a further 163 vehicles, with future opportunity to grow the Council electric fleet and undertake maintenance of these vehicles.    Members further noted that a whole company review for CWR was undertaken in 2024 to ensure the council was receiving value for money and the provision of Fleet Maintenance services was included in the review.  Members’ attention was drawn to the review approach and findings as set out in section 4 of the report (paragraphs 4.6 – 4.10) and that following an options appraisal, the award of the Fleet Maintenance contract to CWR was recommended based on a number of findings detailed in the report at paragraph 4.19.   Visiting Members:  Councillor Charles Hardy spoke in relation to the item.   Councillor Karen Shore, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of the Council.   Cabinet Members welcomed the report and the proposed contract award, acknowledging the significant social and added value brought by CWR as part of their service provision.  Councillor Shore gave assurances that due diligence and a fair, thorough and objective process had been undertaken as part of the review approach.  Members further acknowledged the ‘Companies Test’ (explained further in paragraphs 4.11 to 4.14 of the report) which was within the council’s Constitution and intended to support the development and growth of council-owned companies.   Cabinet considered a minor amendment to the second recommendation in the report at 2.1 (ii) which was proposed by Councillor Shore and this amendment was accepted by Cabinet and is shown in the decision below at 2).   DECIDED:    That 1)            the award of a new fleet maintenance service contract to Cheshire West Recycling (CWR) for an initial period of 8 years, with the option to extend for a further 4 years, commencing on 1st April 2026 be approved; and 2)            authority be delegated to the Chief Operating Officer to agree any property arrangements to facilitate the award of the new fleet maintenance contract and to the Director of Transport and Highways for oversight of the fleet arrangements.   Reason for Decision   The information gathered and assessed during the Company Review demonstrates that awarding CWR a new Fleet Maintenance Service contract will minimise risk around future service delivery and maintain affordability of the service. It will also ensure that the Council continue to receive a high quality and efficient service that provides best value and it will minimise disruption and provide stability for what is a high performing and effective operational workforce.   Alternative Options The Options Appraisal considered the ongoing provision of vehicle maintenance by CWR compared with procurement of an external vehicle maintenance provider. This analysis demonstrates that the recommended option best aligns to the Council’s key criteria of Quality, Achievability and Value for Money.

Date of Decision: December 10, 2025