Issue details

Proposed decision

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services to agree to the adoption of the new Asset Management Strategy 2024-2030.

Reason for the decision

The existing Asset Management Strategy (AMS) is for the period 2018-2023 and so a new AMS strategy is required. The intention is that the new strategy will cover a period of 6 years, from 2024 to 2030.

Background

The AMS is a vital component of Kent County Council’s (KCC) operational and strategic planning. It provides a comprehensive framework for managing KCC’s diverse property assets, including those owned, leased, and tenanted. The AMS aligns with KCC’s broader strategies and policies, ensuring that assets are optimally used, suitably located, and sustainably maintained.

The need for an AMS arises from KCC’s commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and value for taxpayers. It guides the council in making informed decisions about the acquisition, use, and disposal of property assets. This is crucial in meeting the council’s operational needs and strategic objectives.

The AMS also plays a pivotal role in planning for the future use of assets. It outlines how KCC’s services will be delivered in the short, medium, and long term. This forward-thinking approach is essential in an ever-changing landscape, as it allows KCC to adapt and respond effectively to new challenges and opportunities.

Moreover, the AMS is integral to KCC’s transformation goals. As the council embraces new technologies and commissioning models, the strategy supports a flexible workforce and frontline delivery. It ensures that KCC’s property portfolio remains fit-for-purpose and can adapt to changing needs.

In summary, KCC’s AMS is not just about managing property assets. It is a strategic tool that enables the council to deliver efficient services, reduce environmental impact, generate income, and transform the way it operates. Without it, KCC would lack the strategic direction and control needed to manage its assets effectively and meet its service delivery objectives.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

Do nothing – discarded.

How the proposed decision supports the Framing Kent's Future - Our Council Strategy 2022-2026

The proposed decision will support the objectives of the Framing Kent’s Future – Our Council Strategy 2022-2026 by:

The new AMS can support “Framing Kent’s Future” in several ways:

• Levelling Up Kent: The AMS can contribute to narrowing the gaps in outcomes across Kent by ensuring that all assets, whether owned, leased, or tenanted, are optimally used and fit for purpose. This can help strengthen the county’s economy and improve life in deprived communities.
• Infrastructure for Communities: As Kent continues to grow, the AMS can ensure that all communities have the right infrastructure. By managing assets effectively, the AMS can support an ‘Infrastructure First’ approach to new development, improving digital connectivity, access, and ensuring people have access to safe and efficient travel options.
• Environmental Step Change: The AMS can play a crucial role in reaching Kent’s ambitious Net Zero targets. By ensuring that all council assets are maintained sustainably, the AMS can contribute to protecting and strengthening our natural environment.
• New Models of Care and Support: The AMS can ensure that the assets used to deliver services like health and social care are fit for purpose and located correctly. This can help in meeting the increasing demand for these services.

In summary, the new AMS can support “Framing Kent’s Future” by ensuring optimal use of assets, contributing to economic growth, supporting infrastructure development, aiding in environmental sustainability, and enhancing service delivery.

How the proposed decision supports Securing Kent’s Future 2022 -2026: Securing Kents Future - Budget Recovery Strategy.pdf

The proposed decision will support the objectives of the Securing Kent’s Future – Our Council Strategy 2022-2026 by:

The new AMS can support “Securing Kent’s Future” in the following ways:

• Financial Sustainability: The AMS can help address severe budget pressures by ensuring optimal use and management of assets. This can contribute to reducing the projected overspend and setting a longer-term sustainable course for the council.
• Service Delivery: The AMS can support the delivery of essential services, particularly in areas of significant pressure such as adult social care and children’s services. By ensuring assets are fit for purpose and located correctly, the AMS can help meet increasing demand and complexity of needs.
• Budget Recovery: The AMS can support the budget recovery plan by helping to reduce spending in the short term and making structural changes necessary over the medium to long term^[1]. This can ensure the council’s spending is sustainable and within the resources available from central government and council tax revenue.
• Efficiency and Effectiveness: The AMS can help review workstreams across all directorates to ensure that all available resources are directed in the most effective way and that savings and efficiency plans are delivered.

In summary, the AMS can support “Securing Kent’s Future” by contributing to financial sustainability, enhancing service delivery, supporting budget recovery, and improving efficiency and effectiveness. It aligns with the key priorities of “Securing Kent’s Future” and can help in safeguarding the council’s financial resilience and viability