To consider the report relating to the Procurement of 12 B Type Fire Appliances (CFO/01/2526).

Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle, introduced the report, explaining that the purpose of the report was to request approval of the procurement of B Type Fire Appliances as part of the Transport Asset Management Plan (TAMP) five-year capital replacement programme.

The Chief Fire Officer explained that it had been decided to access a legally compliant framework comprising of pre-vetted and capable suppliers. Members were advised that the framework identified as being the most suitable was the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) framework agreement for Emergency Response Vehicles concluded by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

An open day was hosted at the Authority Workshops to allow suppliers to view proposed layout configurations of one of the newest appliances in the fleet.

The Chief Fire Officer explained that the outcome of the procurement exercise identified Emergency One Ltd as the preferred supplier.

Members noted that due to the inflationary price increases in recent years, there was a deficit of £1.175m in the current capital replacement programme and a realignment of the current capital programme was recommended to cover the deficit.

Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle, mentioned that there was £0.900m budget for the procurement of a fully electric fire appliance in 2026/27, however, the technology around this was in its infancy, therefore it would be prudent for the Authority to monitor the sector and react at a time when the technology was more proven.

It was therefore recommended that the purchase of an electric fire appliance be delayed beyond the current five-year capital programme, and to use the current £0.900m budget to contribute towards the purchase of the non-electric appliances. The Chief Fire Officer reassured Members that there would be no requirement to increase the capital budget for the period of appliance purchases from 2025/26 – 2027/28.

Head of Procurement, Hywyn Pritchard, advised Members that the team had used the framework agreement from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority who had completed research on the manufacturers available.

Councillor Grahame McManus enquired whether it would be possible to buy more fire appliances than currently needed and store the extras for future as costs would likely increase in the future. The Chief Fire Officer explained that the world of firefighting moved quick and in the next few years there could be changes to requirements. He explained that the Authority historically worked on a year-by-year purchase basis therefore working to three years was a step in the right direction. It was noted that after the three years, the requirements would be readdressed to consider any changes and environmental considerations moving forwards. Members were also advised that funding for the organisation could not be guaranteed to stay the same in the future and if there was a drastic change to the budget, there could be the need to readdress the number of appliances whether that be positive or negative.

It was queried by Councillor Kieran Murphy when it was likely that the new appliances would arrive at the respective Fire Stations. Hywyn Pritchard explained that once the order had been placed, the chassis would be expected to be obtained in 4-6 months which was when work would begin on the body building. This would take 3-6 months, meaning that the Authority looked at a 9-12 month period before seeing them on the run. Hywyn added that he would like to see these appliances on the run at the beginning of 2026.

The Chair of the Authority explained that technology was always changing and noted the importance of the Authority building the fire appliances to their own specifications to ensure that all fire appliances were similar, and staff knew the geography around fire appliances.

RESOLVED that:

a)    the realignment of Capital budget and the increase of £0.300m to accommodate the increased costs of appliances due to global financial factors in recent years be approved; and

b)    the award of contract to Emergency One Ltd for up to £4,500,344 for the purchase of 12 B Type Fire Appliances be approved.

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Date of next meeting Thursday, 23 October 2025