Contact: Jon Pittam, ext 7400

1 Summary

1.1 The Government has issued various consultation papers on business rates and on grants for the Private Finance Initiative which require responses during October.

1.2 The following decision is sought:

· That the County Treasurer be authorised to submit responses to the consultation papers as set out in the main report and in the light of any comments by Cabinet - in particular, that the proposed share of the proceeds from the local authority business growth incentives scheme between county councils and district councils disadvantages the County Council by not recognising its higher level of spending on economic development and infrastructure costs and its role in attracting and retaining businesses.

2 Reason

2.1 The County Council needs to influence the Government's approach on these matters. Consideration of the report supports all the aims of the Corporate Strategy.

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(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1 Not applicable.

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

Councillor T K Thornber