Agenda item

1.      Mr Chris Hespe, Cabinet Member for Local Government Efficiency and Reorganisation introduced the report on the proposed adoption of the Delivery of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE) Strategy. Mr Hespe explained that DOLGE had been established following the 2025 election to scrutinise Council expenditure, identify efficiencies and support the budget-setting process. He stated that Phase 1 had involved detailed examination of budget lines and had contributed to savings, reprioritisation of spending, debt reduction and the setting of a balanced budget. The proposed strategy for Phase 2 would embed DOLGE principles across the authority through a collaborative approach between Members and officers.

2.      Mr Hespe outlined four strategic areas within the strategy: efficiency and simplification, ensuring spend and savings were delivered to budget, commercial and income generation, and resilience and local government reorganisation (LGR). He highlighted a number of supporting principles, including full cost recovery where appropriate, reviewing service delivery methods and focusing on value for money. He emphasised that the strategy was intended to become a KCC-wide approach integrated into existing governance and performance arrangements.

3.      The Leader endorsed the strategy and thanked officers for their support and cooperation. She described Phase 2 as the delivery stage of work undertaken during the previous year and stated that the strategy would help ensure value for money for Kent taxpayers.

4.      Further to questions and comments from Members the discussion covered the following:

(a)     Some Members raised concerns regarding the effectiveness and purpose of DOLGE arguing that identifying efficiencies and savings was already a standard function of council officers and previous administrations. Questions were raised about the need for a separate DOLGE function, the use of additional cabinet responsibilities, references in the strategy to “star chambers” and staff incentive schemes, and whether the strategy represented substantive change or was primarily a rebranding exercise. Concerns were also expressed regarding transparency, governance arrangements and the impact on services.

(b)     Further discussion focused on Council finances, debt reduction and the use of capital receipts. Members questioned whether some debt repayments represented best value for money.

(c)     Some Members raised concerns about the discontinuation of the Treasury Management Group and whether assets could be sold to support revenue pressures. The Deputy Leader stated that debt reduction had generated significant savings, that asset disposals were undertaken in accordance with statutory requirements and corporate processes, and that there were no plans for a “fire sale” of assets.

(d)     Whilst some Members did not support the strategy, others defended it, highlighting debt reduction, savings achieved during the first year and the importance of maintaining a focus on efficiency and value for money. Members spoke in support of encouraging innovation and savings across the organisation and argued that residents expected the Council to continually seek efficiencies.

(e)     The Leader clarified that there were no additional Cabinet posts under her leadership compared to the previous Administration and there was one fewer Deputy Cabinet post.

(f)      Mr Hespe reiterated that DOLGE remained active and that the strategy formalised and embedded the Council’s efficiency work. He stated that the Administration had inherited significant financial challenges and that the strategy was intended to support ongoing efforts to improve financial resilience and value for money.

5.      Mr Hood proposed that the Policy & Resources Cabinet Committee recommends to Cabinet that the Adoption of the Delivery of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE) Strategy is terminated immediately along with the associated Member Special Responsibility Allowances (SRA). The proposal was not seconded.

6.      RESOLVED that the Cabinet Committee, by majority, endorses the proposed decision to:

(a)     Approve and Adopt the Delivery of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE) Strategy.

(b)     Delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Local Government Efficiency and Reorganisation, to make non-substantive revisions or updates to the strategy as appropriate during its lifetime.

7.      In accordance with paragraph 16.31 of the Constitution Mr Brady, Mr Hood, Mr Hook and Mr Rayner wished for it to be recorded in the minutes that they voted against the recommendation to endorse the decision.