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News

Poole Takes On Vehicle Fleet

The Borough of Poole entered into a partnership contract with Municipal Hire Services on the 20 December 2001 for the supply and maintenance of 117 vehicles at a value of £1.5 million per annum. On the 17 March 2005 Municipal Hire Services went into administration with attempts by administrators Ernst and Young to achieve a trade sale failing.

In response a team of officers from the Council extensively negotiated to secure the fleet and workshop equipment taking back possession of the workshop to protect the frontline service delivery they support, including refuse & recycling collections, street cleansing, highway maintenance and social services transport.

The negotiations were successfully concluded on the 1 October 2005 with the Borough of Poole using prudential borrowing powers to purchase all vehicles and workshop equipment at a cost of £1.8million. Nine workshop employees successfully transferred through to the Council’s direct employment.

Shaun Robson, Head of Environmental & Consumer Protection, Borough of Poole, said: “The transition from MHS to Borough of Poole control was extremely well managed. No disruptions to service delivery were evident and although only a short time has past since the process took place, we are pleased with how professionally the service is operating and look forward to seeing future proposals and efficiencies.

“The priority now is to stabilise the service ensuring that it provides all of the functions required by residents in an efficient and effective manner, whilst acknowledging that this period of change presents an excellent opportunity to review the service and consider ideas for further improvement and development.”

Recruitment to vacant positions including the introduction of an apprentice post are currently being filled, and a procurement policy is being developed to facilitate the vehicle replacement programme. Opportunities for partnership working with neighbouring Local Authorities are also being pursued and developed appropriately.

Shaun Robson, Head of Environmental & Consumer Protection, Borough of Poole tel 01202 261701