Savings and reinvestment initiatives
In the context of rising costs, increasing demand, and insufficient central government support, we, like many councils across the country, continue to carry out a full examination of our procedures and finances. We are working hard to reduce debt and identify efficiencies and savings across all services.
The Leader and Cabinet are clear they want a focus on ‘value for money, cost efficiency and common sense’.
The Leader and Cabinet's vision for Kent
Kent is a place where the residents feel safer, healthier and wealthier and know that their political representatives try to get the best value for every pound spent.
Initiatives
The Cabinet and the Department of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE) team have identified initiatives through a mix of measures including, but not limited to, good management, operational efficiencies and debt reduction. Some examples include:
- £40 million saved from the capital programme over 4 years by rescinding net zero targets at County Council on 18 September - "We’re unlocking opportunities, supporting Kent businesses and delivering tangible outcomes for communities".
- Over £200,000 reinvested in community grants by reducing councillor allowances by 5% - A 5% cut to Member allowances will mean more money for community projects in Kent.
- £1.5 million saved by bringing some children’s homes back in-house
- £2.5 million saved on school transport through smarter planning - KCC saves £2.5 million in home-to-school transport costs through smarter planning.
- £12 million saved from future long-term debt by staying in Sessions House - executive decision
- £5.5 million saved from negotiating a discount by repaying £50m from long term debt 40 years early - A ‘brave and significant move’ sees £50m wiped off KCC’s long-term debt.