Decision details

To abandon the Procurement under the Concession Contract Regulations 2016 (CCR 2016)

The Authority has undertaken a detailed review of the procurement process initiated in November 2024 for the provision of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Following this review, the Authority has determined that the procurement must be abandoned in accordance with Regulation 40 of the Concession Contract Regulations 2016 (CCR 2016) . The decision has been reached based on the following material considerations:
1. Significant Changes in the EV Market Landscape
Since the procurement commenced, the EV charging market has undergone fundamental change, including shifts in ownership among charge point operators and associated implications for commercial modelling. These developments have resulted in the need for substantial amendments to the proposed contract terms to ensure they reflect current market conditions. As these changes are material in nature, the contract is no longer deliverable in its current form.
2. Concerns Regarding Scheme Viability and Wider Economic Conditions
Delays in the procurement process, combined with uncertainty surrounding the viability of key scheme deliverables, have raised concerns about the overall feasibility of continuing with the current approach. In addition, global volatility in energy tariffs has introduced further risk, making continuation of this procurement economically unviable for the Authority at this time.
3. Inability to Meet Key Objectives of the Council’s EV Strategy
The current procurement approach would not successfully achieve several core elements of the Council’s EV Strategy. Proceeding without addressing these gaps would risk failing to deliver the strategic, commercial, and operational outcomes required.
4. Additional Market and Contractual Factors
o Ownership of electricity meters: Under the existing structure, the Authority retains ownership of electricity meters, a position that is no longer operationally or commercially desirable.
o Standing charges and commercial impact: The market is experiencing notable increases in standing charges, including instances where these are uncapped. This trend significantly affects project viability and requires contractual mechanisms that are not currently reflected in the existing procurement documentation.
o Market evolution: The EV charging sector has shifted at pace, and the market picture today is materially different to when the procurement commenced. A revised approach is required to ensure alignment with current supplier models and market realities.

For the reasons outlined above, the Authority has concluded that continuing with the current procurement would not represent best value, nor would it achieve the strategic outcomes required.

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