Contact: Jon Pittam, ext 7400, e-mail: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister published a consultation paper on 15 December 2004 on Government plans to introduce three-year revenue and capital settlements for local authorities in 2006/07. The consultation period ends on 11 March 2005. This report summaries the Government's proposals.

1.2 The following decision is sought:

That the County Treasurer in consultation with the Leader, be authorised to submit a written response to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on behalf of the County Council to the proposals for three-year settlements as set out in this report and in Appendix 1 in response to the questions raised by the Government in the consultation paper.

2 Reason

2.1 The County Council needs to influence the Government's proposals for three-year financial settlements.

2.2 This decision supports all the Aims of the Council's corporate strategy as the Government's financial settlement provides the financial resources for:

Aim 1 - maximising life opportunities

Aim 2 - stewardship of the environment

Aim 3 - achieving economic prosperity

Aim 4 - building strong and safe communities

Aim 5 - improving services

Aim 6 - developing councillors and staff.

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