The move was approved in a cabinet meeting yesterday and saw councillors vote in favour of securing a new transport fleet to deliver the local authority’s adult and children’s social care service.

The council has highlighted that the procurement will enhance the independence of vulnerable members of the community.

According to a committee report, the council’s fleet currently consists of nine ‘coach-built adapted welfare buses’, each of which have exceeded their lifecycles by at least one year.

Among the reasons for the decision to ‘replace and modernise’ its fleet, the council has cited health and safety standards, operational and service demands, as well as higher maintenance costs associated with older vehicles.

Cllr Tracy Dickinson, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Environmental Services, said: ‘This fleet makes a difference every day and provides a vital lifeline to families as these vehicles open up opportunities for their loved ones.’

Cllr Andy Bowden, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, added: ‘Every day these vehicles are out on our borough's roads supporting families with everything from helping children get to school or supporting adults with a range of needs to get to our wonderful services that provide an enriching experience outside of their own home where they can spend time with friends.

‘These replacements will mean we can continue to offer the much needed respite support we offer our most vulnerable residents.’

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