Contact: Paul Carey-Kent, ext 7525

1. Summary

1.1 The details of the Government's efficiency framework for 2005/06 - 2007/08 were reported to Cabinet on 11 February 2005. Cabinet will consider the draft efficiency plan for the County Council on 21 March, as will the Policy & Resources Scrutiny & Select Committee on 11 April, and the Leader, Chief Executive and County Treasurer will finalise the plan for submission by
15 April 2005.

1.2 This report identifies the £15.2m per annum efficiencies the County Council will be required to make in its non-schools budgets between 2005/06 and 2007/08 and sets indicative targets for each department.

1.3 The following decisions are sought:

· that calculations of the requirements on the County Council to generate efficiency improvements be noted

· that a draft efficiency plan for the County Council be considered by the Cabinet on 21 March and by the Policy & Resources Scrutiny & Select Committee on 7 April 2005

· that the plan be finalised by the Leader, Chief Executive and County Treasurer in the light of comments made at those meetings for submission by 15 April 2005.

2. Reason

2.1 In order to meet Government requirements.

2.2 The decisions cut across all the areas of the Corporate Strategy but in particular Aim 5 - improving services in the most efficient manner.

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