The Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee met on Thursday 2 July 2026 to discuss the Delivery of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE) Strategy, the extension of the Domestic Abuse Act Framework and associated services, and the Local Outcomes Framework. The committee also reviewed the budget planning process for 2027-28, the commercial and procurement performance update, and the adoption of the KCC Winning for Kent: Procurement with Purpose Policy.

Adoption of the Delivery of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE) Strategy

The committee considered the draft strategy for DOLGE, which was established in May 2025 to scrutinise the council's budget and seek efficiencies. Phase 2 of DOLGE will focus on a collaborative approach between administration members and officers, building on successes such as £100 million in savings and a £142 million reduction in long-term debt. The strategy outlines four key areas: efficiency and simplification, ensuring spend and savings are to budget, commercial and income generation, and resilience and local government reorganisation. Core principles for adoption across the authority were also presented, including full cost recovery and distinguishing between need to provide and nice to provide services.

During the discussion, Councillor Harry Rayner (Conservative Group) welcomed the move away from the original DOLGE approach, suggesting it had been unsuccessful and created a circus. He noted that the administration admitted there was no obvious wasteful spending in Phase 1, and welcomed the renaming to Delivery of Local Government Efficiency. Councillor Antony Hook (Liberal Democrat Group, Leader of the Opposition) expressed concerns that the strategy was an exercise in presentation and spin, questioning the need for two cabinet members to oversee efficiency work and raising concerns about star chambers and financial incentives for staff. He also queried the council's intention to only provide necessary and not nice things, asking for clarity on what services would be substantively cut. Councillor Alister Brady (Labour Group) questioned why it took over a year to develop the strategy and why the overspend had worsened.

Councillor Paul Chamberlain (Reform UK, Chairman) and Councillor Brian Collins (Reform UK, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance) strongly endorsed the strategy, highlighting the £142 million debt reduction and savings in debt interest. Councillor Collins defended the need for two cabinet members, stating it allowed for double the effort. Councillor Chris Hespe (Cabinet Member, Local Government Efficiency and Reorganisation) refuted claims of waffle and nonsense, stating that DOLGE was alive and kicking and that the strategy was a collaboration between officers and members, not just Reform UK members. He also defended the council's financial management, referencing the debt reduction and balanced budget.

The committee endorsed the draft strategy, with a recommendation to the Cabinet.

Extension of Domestic Abuse Act Framework and Associated Services

The committee considered the extension of the Domestic Abuse Act Framework and associated services. Kent County Council has statutory responsibilities under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to assess local need, publish a strategy, and commission support for victims in safe accommodation. A multi-year settlement to March 2029 has been confirmed via the Homelessness, Rough Sleeping and Domestic Abuse Grant. The decision sought to endorse the extension of the framework to March 2029 and the continuation of the Kent Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (KIDAS) and Safe Accommodation Support Service (SASS) contracts until January 2028. This extension is intended to ensure continuity of support, minimise disruption, and allow for a robust recommissioning process for a new Kent Integrated Family Domestic Abuse Service (KIFDAS).

The total cost for the proposed extension is £6,457,376.79, funded by the Homelessness, Rough Sleeping and Domestic Abuse Grant and partnership contributions.

Councillor Mark Hood (Green Group) questioned the funding contributions, noting that only councils in the east of the county seemed to be listed as contributors, and sought clarity on why West Kent councils did not contribute. Officers clarified that West Kent councils have their own local commissioning arrangements, but the service remains county-wide. Councillor Dean Burns (Restore Britain) raised concerns about the ease of finding and contacting KIDAS, sharing a personal experience where a constituent had not heard of the service. He also questioned the proportion of self-referrals and the process for GPs to provide letters for relocation support. Officers explained the multi-pronged approach to promotion, including a website, social media campaigns, workforce training, and a single point of access. They also noted that while refuge referrals are predominantly self-referrals, the police are the main referrer for other services.

The committee endorsed the proposed decision.

Local Outcomes Framework

The committee was briefed on the new national Local Outcomes Framework (LOF) introduced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. This framework aims to create a more outcomes-based and data-led approach to accountability across local government, introducing 16 priority outcomes and approximately 130 metrics. The framework will involve benchmarking local authorities against statistical neighbours.

Mr Matthew Wagner, Chief Analyst, explained that the LOF is an addition to existing inspection frameworks and performance management arrangements, offering a different lens focused on national comparisons. He noted that many outcomes are not solely within the council's control and that there is still some uncertainty regarding the national benchmarking tool and metric definitions. The framework is likely to increase scrutiny on Kent County Council (KCC) but will also clarify government priorities.

Councillor Alister Brady (Labour Group) asked how the framework would influence decision-making and when KCC's KPIs would be aligned. Councillor Antony Hook (Liberal Democrat Group, Leader of the Opposition) welcomed the framework, noting its focus on important aspects of public life and the helpful analysis provided in the report. He suggested modifying KCC's dashboards to incorporate the new performance outcomes. Mrs Sarah Emberson (Reform UK, Deputy Cabinet Member for Communications and Engagement) observed that the DOLGE initiative could assist in this endeavour. Councillor Harry Rayner (Conservative Group) expressed gratitude for the officer's response, encouraging the administration to make representations to the government regarding areas where KCC has less control, to ensure resources are secured.

The committee noted the report.

Budget Planning Process 2027-28 and Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Update

The committee received an update on the budget planning process for 2027-28 and the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP). Councillor Brian Collins (Reform UK, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance) stated that the report was straightforward, building on the budget announced in February, with final figures and audit completed.

Councillor Harry Rayner raised concerns about the impact of inflation on the council's budget pressures, noting that each 1% increase adds approximately £10 million. He questioned the steps and contingencies being put in place to manage higher inflation levels. Mr Dave Shipton, Head of Finance Policy, Planning and Strategy, explained that the council was working on a middle scenario for inflation, but would build in contingency plans for higher scenarios. He indicated that the middle scenario projected inflation at around 3.5% for a period, which is 1.5% above the 2% target.

Councillor Mark Hood (Green Group) highlighted the cost of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and questioned the halving of the maintenance budget for property assets. Councillor Alister Brady questioned the delivery of adult social care savings, the £600,000 from districts for on-street parking, and a £450,000 cut to libraries mentioned in the MTFP. Councillor Collins stated he would need to research these figures and provide them after the meeting. Mr Shipton explained that detailed monitoring of savings plans is published quarterly, with the first quarter's report due at the end of the month.

Councillor Hook also raised concerns about reserves, asking if the target of £80-85 million was still achievable given inflation. Mr Shipton confirmed that the general reserve was projected to be over 6% of net spend, within the 5-10% target range, assuming no further drawdowns. Mr Burns asked about specific actions if inflation exceeded forecasts and if current reserve levels were sufficient given LGR uncertainty. Mr Shipton explained that LGR transitional costs would be funded by borrowing against longer-term reserves, to be repaid by successor authorities. He noted that actual inflation impacts would depend on various indices, not just the Consumer Price Index.

The committee noted the report.

Commercial and Procurement Performance Update (Financial Year 2025/2026)

The committee received an update on the commercial and procurement performance for the 2025-26 financial year. The report highlighted £54.4 million in financial benefits delivered, with a £33 million increase in spend with Kent suppliers, bringing local spend to 62%. The report also identified areas for improvement, including reducing retrospective waivers and supporting greater participation from voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations.

Councillor Alister Brady expressed disappointment at the decrease in VCSE spending, despite it being a priority. He questioned the exclusion of subcontracting spend and the increase in waiver requests, particularly retrospective waivers. Ms Clare Maynard, Chief Procurement Officer, explained that the dip in VCSE spend was due to ensuring best value and understanding cost structures, but that pre-market engagement would be promoted. She acknowledged the increase in waivers but noted that many were due to urgent health and safety needs or limited markets, and that retrospective waivers were trending downwards. She also stated that monitoring subcontracting was an emerging picture.

The committee noted the report.

Adoption of the KCC Winning for Kent: Procurement with Purpose Policy 2026-2028

The committee considered the adoption of the Winning for Kent: Procurement with Purpose Policy. This policy aims to use KCC's purchasing power to deliver wider benefits for Kent residents, businesses, and communities, aligning with the Procurement Act 2023 and the National Procurement Policy Statement. The policy focuses on three themes: economy, employment, and community, with a mandatory 10% weighting for Social Value in tender evaluations for contracts above public sector thresholds.

Councillor Alister Brady strongly endorsed the policy, having advocated for such measures for years. He questioned the use of gold and platinum badges for performance recognition and asked about the consequences of underperforming on Social Value targets. Mrs Rebecca Maynard, Chief Procurement Officer, clarified that 10% was a minimum requirement and higher weightings could be considered. She assured that Social Value commitments would be contractualised and monitored through KPIs. Councillor Antony Hook welcomed the policy but questioned why the weighting was set at 10% rather than 15% or 20%, and emphasised the need for robust follow-up to ensure delivery of Social Value commitments. Mrs Maynard explained that 10% was a minimum and higher percentages were possible, and that contract management policies would ensure accountability. Councillor Luke Evans (Reform UK, Deputy Cabinet Member for Education and Skills) expressed strong support, calling it a common sense thing to do and noting that similar practices were already the norm elsewhere.

The committee endorsed the proposed decision.

Work Programme

The committee noted the work programme for 2026.

Turner Contemporary Arts Council Grant

The committee was informed about a £865,000 grant from the Arts Council England for renovation and improvement works at the Turner Contemporary building, with a £50,000 contribution from KCC. The works are considered business-critical to ensure the gallery can continue its programmes and will include accessibility improvements, repairs to building fabric, and upgrades to ventilation and electrical systems.

The committee endorsed the proposed decision.

Oracle Cloud Programme

The committee considered a request for an additional £7,562,446 from the flexible use of capital receipts to fund the remainder of Phase 2 of the Oracle Cloud Programme. Phase 1 replaced the council's finance and procurement systems, and Phase 2 will deliver the replacement HR and Payroll function. The system is expected to go live later in the 2026/27 financial year.

Councillor Harry Rayner raised concerns about the use of capital receipts, particularly in relation to the Oracle Cloud Programme, and questioned the reduction in the maintenance budget for property assets. Councillor Alister Brady questioned the Cabinet Member for Finance about the budget for adult social care savings, on-street parking, and library cuts. Councillor Collins stated he would need to research these figures.

The committee endorsed the proposed decision.