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Decision details

WASTE VEHICLES FUEL ARRANGEMENTS

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

To agree a position on fuelling of waste vehicles which takes into account both environmental and financial issues, related to the use of hydro-treated vegetable oil,

Decision:

RESOLVED: That Cabinet approved use of a HVO mix for the Council’s large waste vehicles, that limits the additional cost to the Council (of using HVO over diesel) to approximately £5,000 per month from 1 July 2026 to 31 March 2027. This would be subject to a minimum HVO use of 20%, unless it became impossible to obtain HVO fuel.

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

(1)  The Council set a budget in January 2025 to use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil in the vehicles (above 3.5 tonnes) in the waste and street cleansing contract. The budget set aside at the time (£40k per year ongoing) was expected to be sufficient to use 100% HVO in those vehicles, although the budget decision did reference that it would be possible to use incremental levels of HVO depending on cost. Inflation added to the budget means that £40k budget is now £42k (for 2026/27).

 

(2)  Global events have increased the cost of fuel, with an even more substantial increase in the cost of HVO. This recommendation manages the cost impact on the Council during this period of uncertainty. Overall, the Council remains committed to its Sustainability Strategy and the carbon emission targets set within that strategy.

Report author: Sarah Kingsley

Publication date: 17/06/2026

Date of decision: 16/06/2026

Decided at meeting: 16/06/2026 - Cabinet

Accompanying Documents: