Savings of up to 30% are being gained through a new public and private sector fleet purchase programme.

The savings are being directed to help revitalise run-down areas. Deals made under GM Procure – a tender process created for social housing providers and their suppliers in the north of England - will be directed toward improving communities, according to project developer Gwen Heap.

Set up in October 2009, the no-profit aggregate purchasing stream has already placed orders for 100 vehicles.

“We are achieving savings of more than 30% for specific vehicles. Some of our savings are invested in regeneration and we will look to influence policy or spend the money on regional projects,” said Heap.

“The procurement stream means fleet vehicles are providing a beneficial spin-off as well as representing better value for housing providers who are spending public money.”

Cars and commercial vehicles from Ford, Renault, Volkswagen and Citroen are included on the purchasing list, but other marques are available under the scheme.