The Policy and Resources Cabinet Committee is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, to discuss a range of important council matters. Key topics on the agenda include the progress of the Kent & Medway Domestic Abuse Strategy, plans for the Infrastructure Condition Survey Programme, and a proposed Freehold Disposals Programme for the upcoming financial year. The committee will also consider a pilot scheme for Biodiversity Net Gain at Preston Hill.

Kent & Medway Domestic Abuse Strategy 2024-2029: Year Two Update

The committee is set to review the second year of progress on the Kent & Medway Domestic Abuse Strategy 2024-2029. This strategy, a partnership document overseen by the Kent and Medway Domestic and Sexual Abuse Executive Group, aims to reduce the prevalence of domestic abuse, and ensure that where domestic abuse takes place, all those affected get the right support, quickly. The report details progress across three key pillars: Early Intervention & Prevention, Immediate Needs, and Recovery.

Under Early Intervention & Prevention, initiatives such as the Know, See, Speak Out campaign and the 16 Days of Activism are highlighted, which have focused on raising awareness, providing professional training, and distributing campaign resources. The development of a new Kent & Medway Domestic Abuse Services website, co-produced with survivor input, is also noted as a significant achievement. The strategy also emphasizes KCC's commitment as a White Ribbon accredited organisation, encouraging men and boys to take action against male violence against women. Professional training for Adult Social Care staff and Domestic Abuse DASH training for Children's Social Care are also detailed, alongside the Kent Community Domestic Abuse Champions programme.

In terms of Immediate Needs, the report outlines efforts to ensure services are responsive to individual needs, including work on supporting those with No Recourse to Public Funds, strengthening links with community and faith groups, and promoting pet-friendly refuge spaces. The implementation of a new Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) Hub Process is discussed, which aims to improve the discussion and planning for high-risk domestic abuse cases. The report also covers efforts to reduce risk through initiatives like the Cyber Sanctuary, which addresses technology-facilitated abuse, and the Domestic Abuse Navigator programme for Integrated Children's Services. Support for children and young people is addressed through initiatives like reaching out to schools and the development of new guidance on Operation Encompass. The report also details work on improving access to housing and strengthening services through Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) accreditation.

For Recovery, the strategy focuses on supporting individuals and families to heal and build resilience. This includes the development of a Parental Conflict and Domestic Abuse Tool to help practitioners distinguish between different forms of harmful behaviour. The report also discusses the impact of abuse on mental health, with plans to introduce Mental Health Navigators and expand Enhanced Therapeutic Support. A significant focus is placed on understanding and supporting victims of domestic abuse bereaved by a perpetrator's suicide, with Kent leading national conversations on this link. The crucial role of Survivor Voice Ambassadors in shaping services and policies is also emphasized.

Infrastructure Condition Survey Programme

The committee will consider proposals for the Infrastructure Condition Survey Programme for 2026-27. This report provides an update on the council's understanding of the condition of its corporate estate and the associated backlog of condition spend. It outlines the next steps for procuring future condition surveys for both the corporate and education estates. The surveys are deemed essential for informing capital and revenue investment, ensuring compliance and health and safety, and supporting budgeting returns to central government. The report notes that the last programmed condition surveys were conducted between 2019 and 2022, and the condition of the estate is believed to have declined since then due to limited capital enhancement budgets. The proposed programme aims to update this survey data over several years, with a focus on prioritising buildings based on when they were last surveyed, awareness of asset changes, and upcoming asset strategy decisions. The report also considers the potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation on the programme.

Resilience Update

A Resilience Update will be presented, summarising the work undertaken by the Resilience and Emergency Planning Service in planning for, responding to, and recovering from incidents across the county over the past four months. The report details significant incidents, including the Kent water disruption in January 2026, the Canterbury Meningitis Outbreak in March 2026, and the installation of the Archbishop of Canterbury in March 2026. It also covers ongoing member briefing sessions on civil contingency duties and the evaluation of Exercise Troy, a cyber incident simulation. The report highlights the importance of business continuity plans and the council's engagement with the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF).

Freedom of Information and Subject Access Requests

This report provides further information requested by members regarding Kent County Council's (KCC) performance in handling Freedom of Information (FOI), Environmental Information Regulations (EIR), and Subject Access Requests (SARs). It identifies key pressures affecting statutory compliance, such as increasing volumes and complexity of requests, and outlines ongoing work to improve performance. The report notes that while FOI/EIR performance has improved, it remains below the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) benchmark, with a significant proportion of cases narrowly missing compliance. For SARs, the volume of requests has risen sharply, particularly in the last two years, and performance remains significantly below the ICO's benchmark. The report details proposals to improve compliance, including enhancing directorate ownership, improving training, developing action plans for marginal late cases, expanding standard responses, and driving greater use of the online request form.

Freehold Disposals Programme 2026-27

The committee will consider the proposed Freehold Disposals Programme for 2026-27. This programme provides a framework for the disposal of surplus land and property assets to support the council's fiduciary duties and the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP). KCC holds over 16,000 property and land assets, and when an asset is no longer needed, it has a duty to dispose of it to generate revenue savings and capital receipts. The report highlights that since 2021/22, KCC has raised over £57 million from disposals. The proposed programme aims to improve transparency, strategic oversight, and efficiency in delivery. The report outlines 45 assets proposed for disposal in 2026/27, with a target to generate £49 million in capital receipts and projected holding cost savings of over half a million pounds.

Biodiversity Net Gain Pilot Scheme at Preston Hill

Proposals for Kent County Council (KCC) to develop and deliver a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) scheme on vacant land at Preston Hill will be discussed. This pilot aims to generate sustainable income through the sale of BNG units while enhancing biodiversity on KCC freehold land. BNG requires developers to deliver a 10% increase in biodiversity value, and landowners can create or enhance habitats to generate BNG units for sale. The report details that the Preston Hill site, approximately 37 acres, has the potential to deliver up to 90 BNG units. Several delivery options have been assessed, with a preferred option being a partnership with Commercial Services Group (CSG) to manage the process, with KCC and CSG splitting net income after costs. This option is favoured for its balance of income generation and risk.

Performance Dashboard for the Chief Executive's Department and Deputy Chief Executive's Department

The committee will review the Performance Dashboard for the Chief Executive's Department and Deputy Chief Executive's Department. The dashboard provides performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the period up to February 2026. It indicates that 24 out of 30 KPIs achieved their target, with three rated Amber and three rated Red. The report details specific KPIs that are not meeting targets, including the percentage of sundry debt due to KCC under 6 months old, Data Protection Act Subject Access Requests completed within statutory timescales, and complaints responded to in timescale.

Work Programme 2026

The committee will review its Work Programme for 2026. This item typically involves a discussion and agreement of the topics scheduled for future meetings.

Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) 2026-2029 Delivery Plans

Delivery plans for the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) for the period 2026-2029 are scheduled to be presented. Further details on this item are marked as To Follow.