Contact: Steve Collins, ext 831024

1. Summary

1.1 This report summarises the benefit realisation plans arising from County Council's investment in the Enterprise Project, covering Procurement, Finance, Human Resource and IT functions. Planned savings amount to £800,000 in 2004/05 increasing to £2,850,000 per annum by 2007/08.

1.2 The following decision is sought:

· That notwithstanding that this item be deferred for further consideration, agreement be given to the estimated total savings of £800,000 shown for year one in the consolidated benefit realisation plans in paragraph 7.1 of the report, being deployed to support the existing capital programme as reflected in the County Council's proposed budget for 2004/05, without prejudice to the determination and use of the proposed savings in future years.

2. Reason

2.1 The benefit realisation plans provide the framework for the efficiency savings sought from the implementation of the Enterprise Project. The plans support Aim 5 of the Corporate Strategy, in planning improvements in cost-effectiveness.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 Not applicable.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or a member or officer consulted

4.1 Not applicable.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 Not applicable.

6. Reason for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1 Not applicable.

Approved by: (signature) Date: (date of decision)

Councillor T K Thornber