Contact: Ian Avery, ext 6264

1. Summary

1.1 This matter has been considered by the Executive Member for Policy and Resources, who has referred it to the Cabinet for endorsement, given the corporate nature of the topic and the linkage with the Corporate Sustainable Development Strategy. A copy of the report to the Executive Member for Policy and Resources is attached as an appendix.

1.2 The following decision is sought:

That the Natural Resources Initiative Corporate Business Plan objectives for 2002/03 be agreed.

2. Reason

2.1 The Natural Resources Initiative (NRI) was agreed by the Cabinet on 29 October 2001 and is included as a service area in the County Council's Public Service Agreement (PSA). An NRI Corporate Business Plan has been prepared to guide the implementation of the initiative, through the establishment of a management framework, business objectives and a resourcing plan.

2.2 The Business Plan will provide a framework to enable the County Council to support an NRI programme in the wider community, ensure achievement of the PSA target and become a model of best practice in its own activities.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Carry on without a business plan framework.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - Not applicable.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: .................................... Date: ...................................

Councillor T K Thornber

7165/IA