The Cabinet has
(1) adopted the Fleet Decarbonisation Strategy as the strategic approach to transition the Councils fleet to net zero emissions in response to the Council's Climate Strategy commitments and the UK Government's confirmed phasing out of new petrol and diesel vehicle sales (2030) and non-zero-emission HGVs (2040), ensuring alignment with the Corporate Plan 2023–2028, Climate Strategy, and Building Energy Strategy;
(2) approved the phased delivery model and implementation plan (2025–2035) as set out in the HDC Fleet Programme Report (Appendix 1), including:
· Phase 1 (2025–2028): Grid upgrade to 800–850kVA and modular charging infrastructure;
· Phase 2 (2028–2031): Accelerated vehicle roll-out aligned with business case viability; and
· Phase 3 (2031 onwards): Completion of full fleet transition to zero- emission vehicles to deliver a modern, resilient, and cost-effective low-carbon fleet.
(3) approved the enabling infrastructure capital investment of approximately £600,000 for depot grid upgrade, trunking and cable installation, and the incorporation of this figure for budget setting for the MTFS from 26/27, noting that this investment represents a long-term enhancement to Council assets regardless of future service arrangements including Local Government Reorganisation (LGR);
(4) noted that vehicle capital expenditure over the programme period (2025–2035) will be managed through the Council's existing fleet replacement programme and standard budget-setting cycles, with individual business cases approved annually by the Corporate Director of Finance (Section 151) Officer and Corporate Director for Place in accordance with the established Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) financial governance process; and
(5) delegated authority to the Corporate Director for Place, in consultation with the relevant portfolio holder(s), to explore and develop commercially viable opportunities linked to depot infrastructure, fleet operations, or renewable energy generation that support long-term financial sustainability.