Members considered a report which provided information on a vehicle which had suffered an engine fire and a JCB which had experienced ongoing mechanical problems, including engine fan failures and filter blockages, which had required multiple repairs. The frequency and cost of these repairs were becoming uneconomical and continued investment in repairs to this vehicle are no longer viable. It was queried as to whether the mechanical problems were due to maintenance issues or were integral to the construction of the vehicle.
RESOLVED that the capital budgets for the fleet vehicle and plant replacement programme be reallocated across financial years to allow for the early purchase of two vehicles be approved, subject to assurances being provided that the causes of the mechanical problems to the JCB have been interrogated.
Reason
The reallocation of these capital funds ensures uninterrupted service delivery and operational efficiency. Approving these adjustments facilitates timely procurement of the respective replacements, thereby minimising operational risks and additional costs.