A COUNCIL has splashed out more than £30,000 on a new electric car for the borough’s mayor.

The five-door Kia e-Niro 3 was bought by Redcar and Cleveland Council after previous contractual arrangements which provided for a chauffeur and car together were ditched.

A delegated decision report said there had been a desire to move to a more environmentally friendly vehicle.

The provision of the vehicle, along with chauffeur/attendant duties have now been split with the council buying the Kia and recruiting for a new chauffeur.

The report said: “This will provide a more flexible and responsive service and offers greater value for money.”

The Northern Echo:

Cllr Carl Quartermain

However Councillor Carl Quartermain, leader of the council’s Labour group, has questioned the move.

He said: “A £30,000 electric car is an expense that is not required and that money could be put to better use.”

The report said the Kia car – which is in a premium midnight black colour and has a range of 282 miles before the battery requires charging – was “100 per cent electric and therefore contributes to the council’s carbon neutral aims.”

It said the Kia was chosen due to the range of vehicles available, value for money and a seven-year manufacturer’s year warranty.

The report added: “This was chosen as the option which represented best value for money, considering cost, quality and after sales service.”

The Northern Echo:

Cllr Glyn Nightingale

Councillor Glyn Nightingale, the council’s cabinet member for resources, said the new car could be used for other duties, not just mayoral ones.

He said: “Our new arrangement means the council will have its own vehicle and driver/attendant. 

“This will save money every year compared with the current arrangements and will allow us to use the vehicle and driver for other duties, if required. 

“This will give even more value for money.

“As well as seeing this as an obvious investment to save future expenditure, switching to an electric car for the mayor is a vital opportunity to make a contribution to tackling climate change.”

He added: “Making the borough carbon neutral by 2030 is a top priority in the council’s corporate plan. 

“The new car will be all-electric and whenever the mayor represents the borough, it will be a clear sign that the council is setting an example of the way things are moving.  “It’s about becoming more environmentally responsible.”

The mayor oversees full council meetings and also represents the borough on official engagements.

The post is currently held by Ormesby ward councillor Carole Morgan, a mother-of-two who taught at Nunthorpe Comprehensive School for 35 years before retiring in 2011.