Contact: Jon Pittam, ext 7400, e-mail: [email protected]
Jenny Heath, ext 7402, e-mail: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report proposes the Council's response to the Consultation Paper and Interim Report of the Lyons Inquiry into Local Government. The following decisions are sought:

(a) That subject to amendments to be agreed with the Leader, paragraphs 2.2 - 2.6 form the Council's response to consultation on the role of local government and comments on local government funding are based on the responses outlined in paragraph 4.2, so that both can be returned to Sir Michael Lyons by the deadline of 13 March 2006.

(b) That Corporate Communications examine existing evidence of the public's views in relation to the role of local government and determine whether further work should be undertaken to inform the Lyons Inquiry as it continues.

2. Reason

2.2 Responding to this key piece of national consultation enables the Council to put forward its views, aiming to influence the environment in which it must deliver all aspects of its Corporate Strategy.

3. Other options considered and reject - none.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted - none.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - not applicable.

Approved by: .......................................... Date: ..............................
Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE