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Cabinet Advisory Panel B - Monday 17 June 2024 7.00 pm

June 17, 2024 View on council website
AI Generated

Summary

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.

Attendees

Profile image for Councillor Matthew Davis
Councillor Matthew Davis  Local Conservatives •  Burnham
Profile image for Councillor Drew Swinerd
Councillor Drew Swinerd  Lead Member for Parks & Heritage •  Local Conservatives •  West Hill
Profile image for Councillor John Burrell
Councillor John Burrell  Local Conservatives •  Stone Castle
Profile image for Councillor Rosanna M Currans
Councillor Rosanna M Currans  Local Conservatives •  Brent
Profile image for Councillor Laura Edie
Councillor Laura Edie  Leader of the Green & Residents'Association Group •  The Green Party •  Newtown
Profile image for Councillor Alina Gaskin
Councillor Alina Gaskin  Labour Party •  Temple Hill
Profile image for Councillor David A Hammock
Councillor David A Hammock  Local Conservatives •  Bean & Village Park
Profile image for Councillor Jonathon S Hawkes
Councillor Jonathon S Hawkes  Shadow Leader of the Council and Leader of the Labour Group •  Labour Party •  Ebbsfleet
Profile image for Councillor Andy R Lloyd
Councillor Andy R Lloyd  Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance •  Local Conservatives •  Heath
Profile image for Councillor Claire Pearce
Councillor Claire Pearce  Labour Party •  Swanscombe
Profile image for Councillor Roger S L Perfitt
Councillor Roger S L Perfitt  Local Conservatives •  Longfield, New Barn & Southfleet
Profile image for Councillor Marilyn I Peters
Councillor Marilyn I Peters  Local Conservatives •  Joydens Wood
Profile image for Councillor Darren Povey
Councillor Darren Povey  Labour Party •  Temple Hill
Profile image for Councillor Avtar Sandhu MBE
Councillor Avtar Sandhu MBE  Deputy Mayor & Lead Member for Business •  Local Conservatives •  Wilmington, Sutton-at-Hone & Hawley
Profile image for Councillor Alina Vaduva
Councillor Alina Vaduva  Labour Party •  Princes
Profile image for Councillor Peter Whapshott
Councillor Peter Whapshott  Mayor & Armed Forces Champion •  Local Conservatives •  Brent
Profile image for Councillor E J Lampkin
Councillor E J Lampkin  Local Conservatives •  Wilmington, Sutton-at-Hone & Hawley

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

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