(a)       Decision(s)

That Council be recommended to accept the Government’s 4 year funding offer and to submit a link to the appendices attached to the Cabinet report as its Efficiency Plan and supporting evidence in order to satisfy the conditions of acceptance of the 4 year funding settlement for the period 2016/17 to 2019/20.

(b)       Reason(s) for Decision(s)

            Acceptance of the Government’s offer will create certainty over a significant part of the Council’s future resources and allow the Council to create Medium Term Financial Planning Targets with greater certainty over the amount required to balance the budget.

(c)       Alternative Option(s) Considered

            Not to take up the Government’s offer.  If this were the case RSG funding would be subject to the existing yearly process for determining local government finance, with all the uncertainties this entails.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

            Finance and Services.  However as this matter will be considered by full Council, it is not subject to call-in.

(e)       Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.