The Cabinet Member Signing meeting was scheduled to consider a report pack detailing a proposed contract award. The primary item on the agenda was the potential award of a contract to NHS Fleet Solutions for an employee car leasing scheme.

Award of Contract to NHS Fleet Solutions

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the potential award of a contract to NHS Fleet Solutions Ltd for the provision of an employee-funded salary sacrifice car leasing scheme. This scheme would allow employees to lease hybrid and electric vehicles, with costs covered by monthly salary deductions. The report pack indicated that approval was sought for a direct call-off contract from the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Framework RM 6268.

The proposed contract value was £2,188,800, based on an estimated 2% workforce participation, equating to 73 vehicles over a three-year term, with an option to extend for a further year. The report highlighted that this expenditure would not impact the Council's budget as all costs would be borne by employees through salary deductions.

The report suggested that introducing this scheme would expand the Council's employee benefits portfolio and assist employees with the rising cost of living without incurring any additional expenditure for the Council. It was also noted that the scheme could generate employer savings through reduced national insurance and pension contributions, with projected savings of approximately £640 per car per year. Furthermore, the scheme was presented as a means to support employee retention and recruitment by offering a competitive benefit that differentiates the Council from other organisations.

NHS Fleet Solutions, a public sector-owned organisation established in 2003, was identified as the most advantageous provider due to its track record, focus on low-emission vehicles, and alignment with the Council's climate change objectives. The use of the CCS Framework RM 6268 was considered the most appropriate, flexible, and value-for-money route to market, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations. The report also mentioned that the scheme is HMRC approved and can be reported as a benefit in kind.

The report pack indicated that the scheme would contribute indirectly to all corporate delivery plan outcomes by enhancing employee benefits. It was also stated that the scheme is carbon neutral. Statutory officers' comments from Finance, Procurement, and Legal & Governance were included, with Finance noting no additional costs to the Council and potential direct savings. Procurement confirmed the use of the CCS framework as a legitimate and robust route to market. The Head of Legal and Governance confirmed no legal reasons preventing the approval of the recommendation. The report stated there were no equality implications.