Agenda item

This report provides Cabinet with an update on proposals to expand electric vehicle charging provision in Brent through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding programme. Following the award of funding in July 2024, the Council, as part of a six strong London boroughs’ partnership, is now seeking to invite tenders in respect of appointing (a) Charge Point Operator(s) to supply, install, operate and maintain up to 1972 additional electric vehicle charge points in Brent. The report makes recommendations for Cabinet to approve commencement of the tender process, approve the pre-tender considerations and delegate authority to award contract for the supply, installation, operation and maintenance of these new charge points.

Cabinet RESOLVED to:

(1)       Approve the commencement of the tender process in respect of appointing the Charging Point Operator (s) to supply, install, operate and maintain electric vehicle charge points in Brent in accordance with the new Procurement Legislation.

(2)       Approve the pre-tender considerations pursuant to Standing Order 89 of Part 3 of the Council’s Constitution, as detailed within the report.

(3)       Delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Enforcement, to award a fifteen-year contract(s).

(4)       Approve entering into the Partnership 6 Inter-Authority agreement.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 4 August 25

Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Enforcement) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods & Regeneration providing an update on proposals to expand electric vehicle charging provision in Brent through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding programme and seeking approval, as part of a six London Borough partnership, to invite tenders in respect of appointing Charge Point Operator(s) to supply, install, operate and maintain additional electric vehicle charging points in Brent.

In presenting the report, Cabinet was advised that the proposals outlined in the report were designed to deliver nearly 2,000 new charge points on a borough wide basis as part of a wider programme of work being undertaken to address air quality, congestion, climate change, and transport inequality across the borough.  In recognising that road transport accounted for over a fifth of Brent’s carbon emissions, members were reminded that supporting the switch to zero-emission vehicles had been identified as a key focus within the Council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy supporting the goal to halve petrol and diesel journeys by 2030.

In partnership with a number of other boroughs across London, the funding awarded through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme was recognised as providing a significant opportunity to further expand the electric vehicle charge point network with the procurement process enabling the appointment of expert operators to supply, install, and maintain a new modern electric vehicle network across Brent.  In terms of the investment provided, members were advised this would also support the work being undertaken to support the development of cleaner, greener and healthier communities across Brent and in ensuring no area was left behind in the Electric Vehicle (EV) transition, with the strategy also focussed around prioritising public access, equity, and long-term resilience, ensuring Brent’s charging network could meet the needs of all residents.

In considering the report, members welcomed the approach outlined and contribution it was felt the investment would provide in relation to the Council’s existing long-term transport strategy and EV infrastructure plans and in maintaining Brent’s commitment to building a cleaner, greener future, especially when compared to the stance being taken by some other local authorities nationally (following the recent local government elections) in seeking to no longer pursue initiatives aimed at tackling climate change.  In contrast, support was expressed for the approach adopted by the Council in seeking to continue focussing on measures to tackle climate change and improve air quality given the wider environmental and public health benefits, with the investment identified within the report seen as not only supporting progress towards the Council’s net zero target but also more active and sustainable travel choices in terms of facilitating the switch to zero/low emission vehicles and wider EV incentive measures.

In recognising the wider benefits identified for residents and the local environment Cabinet RESOLVED to:

(1)       Approve the commencement of the tender process in respect of appointing the Charging Point Operator (s) to supply, install, operate and maintain electric vehicle charge points in Brent in accordance with the new Procurement Legislation.

(2)       Approve the pre-tender considerations pursuant to Standing Order 89 of Part 3 of the Council’s Constitution, as detailed within the report.

(3)       Delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Enforcement, to award a fifteen-year contract(s).

(4)       Approve entering into the Partnership 6 Inter-Authority agreement.