Contact: Jon Pittam, ext 7400

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

· to endorse the submission of the Annual Efficiency Statement: Forward-look 2005/06 to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to meet the statutory deadline of 15 April 2005.

2. Reason

2.1 This is a new statutory requirement and the draft plan was considered by the informal Cabinet meeting on 6 April 2005 to enable the deadline to be met.

2.2 The statement ensures that all the aims of the corporate strategy are met, particularly improving services.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 Not applicable.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member 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: Date:
Councillor T K Thornber, CBE