Issue - meetings

To update Council following the consideration of an urgent item (Procurement of Fleet Contract Extension) at Cabinet on 19 September 2023 in accordance with the Council’s constitution.

RESOLVED

That the reason for the Urgent item considered at Cabinet on 19^th September 2023 be noted.

The Chief Officer (Governance) introduced the report to update Council following the consideration of an urgent item (Procurement of Fleet Contract Extension) at Cabinet on 19th September 2023. He provided background information and asked the Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) to present the main considerations as detailed in the report.

In response to a question from Councillor Richard Jones, the Chief Officer (Governance) provided explanation on why the matter had been submitted as an urgent item to Cabinet when the expiry date of the contract had been known for many years. In response to the further questions raised by Councillor Jones, the Chief Officer (Streetscene & Transportation) explained that complex negotiations had been ongoing for some time with the Contractor around the terms to extend the initial contract, however, the issues were not yet fully resolved. She outlined the next steps with a view to the new agreement to the contract to start on 1st April 2024.

Councillor Coggins Cogan raised a procedural matter concerning consent for an urgent item to be submitted to Council which he proposed be referred to the Constitution & Democratic Services Committee to be addressed.

Councillor Ibbotson also referred to the matter raised by Councillor Coggins Cogan and asked the Chief Officer (Governance) if he could provide a written

response with reference to Section 5 - Local Government & Housing Act 1989, to determine if action was required.

In response to the further comments and questions raised by Members the Chief Officer (Governance) clarified that a temporary extension had been granted to the contract as an interim measure pending a final decision on the awarding of the contract following consideration by Cabinet and the Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

Councillor Dave Hughes moved the recommendation which was seconded. When put to the vote the recommendation in the report was carried.

RESOLVED

That the reason for the Urgent item considered at Cabinet on 19^th September 2023 be noted.