The Fire & Rescue Service currently has a pool of 40 vehicles, used by officers to perform statutory operational management duties. These vehicles are leased and are either due to expire or have already expired. National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) guidance on driving emergency vehicles is also changing and a further vehicle is required to enable Operational Training to ensure that all potential drivers are effectively trained in ‘blue light’ driving.
The vehicles will be procured in phases, aligned with the lease expiry and date and are anticipated to cost £50,000 per vehicle, with a total capital spend of £2,050,000. This is subject to the market at the time of purchase. This cost includes work to fit blue lights, sirens and emergency communications’ technology.
Other options have been reviewed, including extending current leases, but this places additional burden on revenue with maintenance costs and risks potential failures on emergency vehicles, and is not cost effective.
Funding will be drawn from the Fleet Capital Replacement budget line and the vehicles will be procured through the Crown Commercial Services framework.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure > £500,000 and affects more than 1 division;
Decision status: For Determination
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 29/01/2025
Decision due: April 2025 by Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue (Cllr Duncan Crow)
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue (Cllr Duncan Crow)
Contact: Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Chief Fire Officer Email: sabrina.cohen-hatton@westsussex.gov.uk Tel: 033 022 24993.
Consultation process
Representations concerning the proposed decision can be made via the officer contact.
Democratic Services Contact: Erica Taunton Tel: 033 022 26050