Contact: Nick Gibbins, (01962) 847544; [email protected], John Rees-Evans, (01962) 84 6628; [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The Government introduced the LABGI scheme in 2005 for a three year trial period to provide a financial incentive for local authorities to encourage local business growth. The Government confirmed in the 2007 budget that it intended to bring forward proposals to reform the scheme and a consultation paper has been issued seeking views on the principles that should underlie a reformed scheme. This report considers the County Council's response to the consultation.

1.2 The following decision was made:

That subject to the inclusion of an introductory paragraph, the response to the Government's Consultation on reforms to the LABGI scheme was approved.

1.3 The County Council has the opportunity by responding to the consultation to influence the approach to the reform of the current LABGI scheme.

2 Other options considered and rejected - none.

3 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive member consulted - none.

4 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - not applicable.

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

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