The Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority (SBSA) board has committed to investing £3.3million for 12 new fire appliances for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) ahead of the service’s transfer to the authority, April 1, 2027.
Officers told the board funding requests had been brought forward due to some existing fire engines reaching the end of their ‘operational usefulness’, increasing risk of mechanical issues.
It was warned that delaying the procurement of these vehicles until after the period of transition could deter the market from bidding or see them add a significant risk premium as a result.
Board members were advised that approving the funding now would act as mitigation and allow suppliers to be notified more quickly, with the completion date expected after control is transferred to the authority next year.
West Sussex County Council had already approved wider £4.8million funding from its existing capital programme for replacement appliances. It will pay £1.5million for eight new 4×4 vehicles and 12 chassis.
Due to a longer lead time on the completed appliances, the final payment of £3.3million will come from the strategic authority after it acquires responsibility.
The new appliances will replace the oldest fire engines in the fleet, with some more than 22 years old and two 18 years old, which have now exceeded their life service.
A report from the council’s chief fire officer, said the new vehicles will include improved firefighting technology, a ‘clean-cab’ addition that will reduce exposure to contaminants, higher emission standards and support the county council’s Net Carbon Neutral 2030 goals.
Councillor Andy Woolley, leader of East Sussex County Council, asked whether the new appliances would be ‘like-for-like’ replacements.
Officers suggested that the new vehicles were expected to be more environmentally friendly but it was not yet known if they would be fully electric as the board wanted to prioritise value for money.
The purchase of the replacement vehicles can now continue as planned, with the strategic authority’s finance arrangements to be drafted in the autumn ahead of the transition in spring.
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