Proposed decision –That Cabinet APPROVES the adoption of the Delivery of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE) Strategy.
Reason for the decision
This is a new strategy outside of KCC’s Policy Framework aligning to the Strategic Statement ‘Reforming Kent 2025-2028’.
Background
The ‘Department for Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE)’ was established by the Administration in May 2025.The proposed strategy sets out the second phase of DOLGE and the recommended collaborative KCC way of working to support this.In support of ‘Reforming Kent 2025-2028’, the strategy aims to promote further cost-consciousness, efficiency, and better spend of taxpayers’ money. The strategy will set out sensible and pragmatic solutions where efficiency is at the core.
The four proposed strategic areas of focus are:
§ Resilience and Local Government Reorganisation
Each strategic area will be supported by a series of top priorities; a number of core principles are proposed for use by the authority as a whole.
Options (other options considered but discarded)
None, as the logical progression for the DOLGE effort is to move the programme to an authority-wide and collaborative format, which is the strategy’s purpose.
How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement
The proposed decision aligns with Kent County Council’s Strategic Statement ‘Reforming Kent 2025-2028’ specifically Aim 2 ‘Reforming Kent County Council’ and the objective tomake every penny count, using a common-sense approach and DOLGE to find efficiency savings and income generation opportunities. The Strategic Statement proposes a DOLGE Strategy as it enters its second phase.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 01/06/2026
Decision due: 22 Jul 2026 by Cabinet
Reason: Decision-making Executive committee
Lead member: Deputy Cabinet Member for Local Government Efficiency and Local Government Reorganisation
Department: Strategic & Corporate Services
Consultees
The proposed decision will be considered at the Policy & Resources Cabinet Committee on 2 July 2026 and Cabinet on 22 July 2026.
Financial implications: Currently, there is no additional resource requirement identified to carry out the DOLGE work or the priorities in the strategy, as the DOLGE concept will become a core part of the authority’s overall work.
Legal implications: There are no legal implications associated with the proposed adoption of the strategy, this has been verified with the Legal Team
Equalities implications: Equalities implications An EqIA has been undertaken for this proposed decision and whilst no impacts have been identified, any direct decisions that may follow from the DOLGE Strategy would still be subject to relevant and separate decisions and EQIAs as necessary. Data Protection implications A screening has been undertaken concluding that a Data Protection Impact Assessment is not required at this time.