The Cabinet Advisory Panel B of Dartford Council met on Monday 17 June 2024 to discuss several significant topics, including the new Productivity Plan, the Care Leavers Policy, and the Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) report. The panel also endorsed recommendations on the write-off of National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR).

Productivity Plan

The Chief Officer & Director of Corporate Services introduced the Productivity Plan, a new requirement for councils announced as part of the Local Government Finance Settlement on 5 February 2024. The plan, which must be submitted to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) by 19 July 2024, aims to demonstrate how the council has transformed service delivery to make better use of resources, leverage technology, reduce wasteful spending, and identify barriers to progress.

Members discussed the impact of staff working from home on productivity. The Chief Officer & Director of Corporate Services noted that while the DLUHC's letter did not specifically mention home working, previous metrics suggested it had been more productive. Some members expressed concerns about difficulties in contacting staff, particularly in the Planning Department, while others did not share these experiences. The panel endorsed the recommendation to approve the Dartford Borough Council Productivity Plan.

Care Leavers Policy

The Care Leavers Policy was introduced by the Policy & Performance Officer, outlining the council's commitment to support young people transitioning from care to independence. The policy details the support provided by Kent County Council (KCC) and Dartford Borough Council (DBC) in areas such as health, housing, financial assistance, and employment. Seven Care Leavers Champions have been designated to assist with queries.

Members discussed the potential impact on the duties of the designated Care Leavers Champions and the possibility of offering work experience to care leavers who do not meet minimum job requirements. The panel endorsed the recommendation to approve the Care Leavers Policy.

Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) Report

The panel endorsed the recommendation contained in the HECA report, which outlines the council's progress in improving home energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The report includes details on energy efficiency and retrofit works delivered by Dartford Borough Council, as documented in Appendix C.

Write-Off of National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR)

The panel endorsed the recommendation to write off certain National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) as detailed in the report. The content of Exempt Appendix A to the main report was noted.