To comment on the Cabinet report.

Cllr Jones asked why the agenda reports had been circulated to the Panel as To Follow reports.  The Managing Director informed that this was because the date set for the O&S Panel did not give sufficient time on the Cabinet report cycle to make amendments post consultation with Lead Members to enable them to be included when the O&S Panel agenda was published.

The Panel considered the Cabinet report on the pool cars leased by the Royal Borough, the Mayoral car and Electric Vehicle Charging points.

The Chairman asked why the Mayoral car had been included in this report and was informed that it was part of the RBWM fleet.

The Panel were informed that that the council previously had electric cars for its pool fleet, but the decision had been made to replace these with a new fleet. However, the new scheme required a much higher mileage level than was being achieved. It was therefore proposed to terminate the existing contract at the end of the second year when costs would be minimal. A report would be submitted to Cabinet in six months setting out proposals for a replacement scheme using electric/hybrid vehicles.  The Employment Panel would also review the council’s existing mileage policy and officers would be encouraged to use the pool fleet rather then using their own vehicles and submitting mileage claim forms.

In relation to the Mayoral car the Pane were informed that it was first registered in 2007 and purchased by RBWM in 2011, it was proposed to replace this vehicle with a cleaner hybrid car.

The Panel were informed that there were few electric vehicle charging points in the borough. There was a demand for points to be installed and a grant was available for the project and the proposed supplier, Pod Point, already worked with a number of local authorities. It was proposed to install 10 points at no cost to the authority as match funding was available.

Cllr Dr L Evans asked why such low voltage charging points were being proposed as they would take too long to charge other authorities such as Basingstoke and Dean had 'rapid' 33kw-42kw charging points in public car parks.  Cllr Evans also mentioned that there was no usage data on the mayoral car so it was difficult to asses if an electric vehicle was appropriate. 

The Panel were informed that the charging points used would be investigated as part of the procurement process.  With regards to the mayoral car it currently did about 10,000 miles per annum and its usage would be examined before a final decision would be made.  The authority may look at a hybrid vehicle giving lower CO2 emissions.

The Chairman mentioned that a long wheel base vehicle with good leg room and head room should be considered for the majors car as it was important that they arrived at events with dignity.

Cllr Quick agreed that the mayor should be able to get out of the car in dignity especially when in full regalia.

Clle Lenton mention that it was also important to have sufficient boot space as the mayor or vice major often went to multiple events in one day and may require a change of clothes.  Security was also important especially when the majors chain was being used.    

Cllr Lenton also mentioned that it would be good if the replacement car was made in the UK.

The Chairman mentioned that when he was the mayor he was aware that Land Rover had a diplomatic service and this may be an option. 

Cllr McWilliams mentioned that the mayors car should not be more luxurious then the PM’s car especially as the PM was an MP for the borough. 

With regards to electric vehicle charging points the Chairman mentioned that in Kingston the only parking that could be found was the charging points as they were not used.  Cllr Rankin mentioned that ward Members would be consulted on location before they were installed.

Cllr Quick mentioned that they could be placed in RBWM car parks.

Cllr Jones asked if they would be place in central Windsor and central Maidenhead or across the borough.

Cllr Lenton questioned the life span of the charging points.

The Panel were informed that the expected life span was 7 years, that the borough currently had a couple in RBWM car parks that where frequently used and that installation would be across the borough.

Cllr McWilliams asked how officers were to be encouraged to use the pool cars and was informed that there were a number of initiatives such as having a number of locations the cars can be accessed, changing the policy so staff can take the vehicles home after evening meetings / visits and managers working with teams about the need to use the pool cars.  Claiming for mileage should no longer be the norm but only used in exceptional purposes.

Resolved unanimously:  that the Corporate Services O&S Panel considered the Cabinet report and fully endorsed some of the recommendations subject to the following:

• Ward Members should be consulted regarding any placement of electric vehicle points.
• The centre of Windsor and other parts of the Royal Borough where parking is at a premium should not be considered as locations for electronic vehicle points.
• Approved the termination of the existing pool car fleet. The Panel raised concern that officers were still using their private cars instead of using the pool cars.
• Consideration should be given to placing the electronic vehicle points in RBWM car parks as a trial. The panel suggested that we should put one electric point in each town in one of the car parks and by the town hall.
• The options for a new mayoral car should come back to the Panel prior to any procurement.  The Panel would like to see three options and the Cabinet paper recommendation should not give delegated authority to purchase a new car until the options have been to Panel.  The panel also suggested the officers should approach Land Rover diplomatic service for a vehicle.
• Any new mayoral car should be a long wheelbase that gives legroom in the back of the car and have  enough headroom that would offer dignity for the mayor.
• Recommendation ‘C. Procure a new electric Mayoral car during 2018/19’ should be change to ‘Procure an appropriate Mayoral car in consultation with the Corporate Services O&S Panel.’