Council Chairman’s Car Stays: Decision Postponed for Another Year

The local council talked about selling their civic car. They bought it in 2020 for the council chairman to use, helping them get to local events. However, the car hasn’t been used much recently, with only 10,000 miles on it. Some people thought selling it made sense and felt keeping it looked wasteful to the public.

The council decided to keep the car for now and explore other options first. They will reconsider the car’s future later.

One council member mentioned the chairman’s chain, worrying about its safety during train travel. Insuring the chain would be very difficult, as its estimated worth totals £25,000.

The current chairman doesn’t use the car often but knows future chairmen might need it. He thinks a quick decision to sell isn’t smart. The council leader questioned the optics of the car, wondering if taxpayers would like it now. Maintaining the car costs £2,400 yearly, covering MOT, fuel, and regular upkeep.

One councillor feared a capable person losing the chairman role if they can not drive. He suggested others could use the car too. Another councillor mentioned his family car situation, saying that without the civic car, he’d struggle, and his family would lack transport to activities. They postponed any final decision about the car.