Issue - meetings
Approval to Award Contract (Parking)
Meeting: 05/03/2026 - Cabinet (Item 216)
216 Delegated Approval to Award Contract (Parking) 
PDF 536 KB
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to seek approval of delegated authority to award the contract for pay and display machines for car parks.
Recommendation:
That Cabinet:
1. Delegates authority to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor Experience to award the contract for the supply, installation and on-going services to the most advantageous supplier.
Additional documents:
- Annex A Equality and Rurality Impact Assessment P D machines, item 216
PDF 526 KB
- Webcast for Delegated Approval to Award Contract (Parking)
Decision:
The purpose of the report was to seek approval of delegated authority to award the contract for pay and display machines for car parks.
The report was introduced by Councillor Tony Dale, Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor Experience who explained that the existing machines were increasingly outdated, required frequent maintenance, and were difficult for users, necessitating a full refresh of the parking estate. The tender process was outlined and it was noted that procurement was being accelerated to enable the timely replacement and operation of machines within the current budget year.
The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Tony Dale and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy.
Cabinet RESOLVED to:
1. Delegate authority to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor Experience to award the contract for the supply, installation and on-going services to the most advantageous supplier.
Voting record:
6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Minutes:
The purpose of the report was to seek approval of delegated authority to award the contract for pay and display machines for car parks.
The report was introduced by Councillor Tony Dale, Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor Experience who explained that the existing machines were increasingly outdated, required frequent maintenance, and were difficult to use, necessitating a full refresh of the parking estate.
The proposed procurement set out the types, locations, and operational requirements of new machines, including installation, commissioning, servicing, and removal of old machines. The process included a four-week tender period, with evaluations conducted by a dedicated parking and procurement team.
It was noted that authority would be delegated to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor Experience, to award the contract for the supply, installation, and ongoing operation of the new parking machines to the most advantageous supplier.
Members were informed that the new machines were expected to provide faster, easier, and more reliable payment options for residents and visitors, enhancing the overall parking experience across the District. Councillor Dale noted that procurement had been accelerated to enable the timely replacement and operation of machines within the current budget year.
The Leader invited questions from Cabinet Members.
Councillor Juliet Layton welcomed the proposals for new parking machines, noting the importance of speed, clarity, and accessibility, including for users with disabilities. Councillor Tony Dale acknowledged that while no solution would have all desired features, simplicity, clarity, and speed were paramount, and emphasised that the new machines should be future-proofed to enable mobile payments and efficient maintenance. He expressed confidence in the parking and procurement teams to deliver a fit-for-purpose solution and confirmed that any compromises would be reported back to Cabinet.
Councillor Tristan Wilkinson supported the approach, praising its user-centric design and clarity of requirements, noting that this methodology could serve as a model for other Council procurements. Officers confirmed that customer feedback had informed the specification and that the evaluation team would ensure all criteria were considered.
In summing up Councillor Tony Dale welcomed the decision, noting it was timely, well-considered, and supported the early delivery of the service. Councillor Dale confirmed that he would monitor progress to ensure there were no delays.
The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Tony Dale and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy.
The proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
Voting record:
6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.