Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council have opted for contract hire rather than outright purchase to replace its waste and recycling fleet, following a comprehensive cost comparison and tender procurement process.

Caroline Roffey, head of Street Scene Services at Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council said: “When we compared contract hire with the outright purchase of vehicles, contract hire proved to be the cheapest and most cost/risk-effective solution.”

The incumbent supplier, Specialist Fleet Services (SFS) was successful in delivering the winning bid, which was based primarily on price. The new seven-year contract starts on September 1 and comprises the provision of 20 vehicles, including Refuse Collection Vehicles, sweepers, hook loaders and box vans. SFS will continue to maintain the vehicles at the council’s depot in Hinckley.

Roffey added: “Not only are we saving money by using contract hire we are really pleased to be continuing our relationship with SFS. We have been working with them for over 14 years and I have no concerns at all that we will continue to receive an excellent standard of service.”

SFS is helping the council through interim arrangements including the provision of five brand new recycling vehicles, via its municipal vehicle hire division CTS Hire.