Donation of Free Fuel During Covid-19 Pandemic

In 20/21 BP launched a scheme to supply free fuel to the MPS’s overt fleet as part of their wider effort to support emergency services across the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme was first introduced over 5 weeks from March to end of April last year and again for 9 weeks from January to end of March 2021. The donation of free fuel from BP during 2020/21 has resulted in savings of £1,965,000 (£984,978 tranche 1, £979,920 tranche 2).

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime is recommended to approve donations of free fuel to a total value of £1,965,000 from BP to the MPS overt fleet as part of BP’s wider effort to support emergency services across the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Introduction and background

1.1. In 20/21 BP launched a scheme to supply free fuel to the MPS’s overt fleet as part of their wider effort to support emergency services across the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme was first introduced over 5 weeks from March to end of April last year and again for 9 weeks from January to end of March 2021. The donation of free fuel from BP during 2020/21 has resulted in savings of £1,965,000 (£984,978 tranche 1, £979,920 tranche 2).

2. Issues for consideration

2.1. The offer of Free Fuel from British Petroleum was made publically to all Police Forces in England and Wales. During the 14 weeks the scheme was open the MPS saved £1,965,000 on fuel charges.

3. Financial Comments

3.1. This donation of free fuel has resulted in savings to the MPS of £1,965,000 (£984,978 tranche 1, £979,920 tranche 2).

4. Legal Comments

4.1. This proposal seeks approval to accept a contribution of £1,965,000 under S.93 of the Police Act 1996. This section allows the MOPAC, as the local policing body, in connection with the discharge of any of its functions, to accept gifts and loans of money and resources.

4.2. Clause 4.8 of the MOPAC Scheme of Delegation requires the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime to approve all inward donations £50k and above in value. This project in it’s entirety will exceed the £50k limit over the 8 dates.

4.3. Based on previous advice to the MPS Third Party Contracts Team, DLS have approved the legal position.

5 Commercial Issues

5.1 This proposal is seeking retrospective approval to accept Free Fuel from British Petroleum. This offer was made to all 43 Police Forces during a 14 week time frame over 2 periods with the intention of assisting with the COVID-19 pandemic.

5.2 There are no commercial issues arising from the donation.

6 GDPR and Data Privacy

6.1 There are no GDPR or Data Privacy issues arising from the donation.

7 Equality Comments

7.1 There are no Equality issues arisng from the donation.

8 Background/supporting papers

8.1 N/A.