The Dartford Council Cabinet meeting on 20 June 2024 covered several significant topics, including the approval of a productivity plan, the introduction of a care leavers policy, and updates on home energy conservation efforts. Decisions were made to submit the productivity plan to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and to endorse the new care leavers policy.

Productivity Plan

The Director of Growth & Community presented a report on the new requirement for councils to produce productivity plans, as announced in the Local Government Finance Settlement of 5 February 2024. The plan, which must be submitted by 19 July 2024, aims to help the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) understand what is working well across the country and identify areas for improvement. The plan should be concise, no more than 3-4 pages, and cover various aspects of council operations, including service delivery, use of technology, and waste reduction.

Councillors discussed the barriers identified in the plan, particularly around housing, and highlighted the council's recent success in securing funding for homelessness projects. The Chairman noted the inclusion of a project for using AI/Chatbots to triage customer service enquiries. The Dartford Borough Council Productivity Plan was approved for submission to the DLUHC.

Care Leavers Policy

The Cabinet reviewed a new Care Leavers Policy, which outlines the council's commitment to supporting young people transitioning from care to independence. The policy details the support available from Kent County Council and Dartford Borough Council, covering health, housing, financial assistance, and employment. Seven Care Leavers Champions have been designated to handle queries via a dedicated electronic mailbox. The policy was approved by the Cabinet.

Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) Report 2024

The Director of Housing & Public Protection introduced the HECA Progress Report, which details the council's efforts to improve energy efficiency in private rented properties. The report covers progress made between 2019-2021 and 2021-2023, highlighting actions taken, measurement of progress, and updates on retrofitting measures. The Cabinet endorsed the report, noting the council's success in installing insulation and photovoltaic (pv) panels, which has resulted in a high Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating.

Write-off of National Non-Domestic Rates

The Cabinet considered a report proposing the write-off of non-domestic rates amounting to £335,639.70, where payment could not be obtained due to insolvency, untraceable ratepayers, or irrecoverable debt. The Cabinet approved the write-off as detailed in the exempt appendix.