Purpose

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

 
 

 

Decision

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for
Finance, Corporate and Traded Services to:
 
1. agree to the adoption of the new Asset
Management Strategy 2024-2030; and
 
2. note that the new Asset Management Strategy
2024-2030 and its action plan will be set within the context of the
financial constraints and resources of the Council.