To receive any apologies for absence.

To receive any declarations of interest by members in respect of items on this agenda.

To note the provisional Revenue Support Grant (RSG) for 2005/06 and consider its impact on the budget strategy for 2005/06. 

To agree to the current draft Corporate Plan for 2005-08 being used immediately as the basis for the preparation of the Council's Annual Operating Plan and directorate and service plans for 2005-06.

To receive feedback on the November 2004 round of Local Area Forums, Budget Consultation.  To note issues raised by the community and to continue to identify ways to improve and develop public consultation at Local Area Forums.

To receive an update on the Council's corporate performance in relation to our National and Local Best Value Performance Indicators from 1 April 2004 to 30 September 2004.

To receive a report on the Strategic Area Review Herefordshire and Worcestershire currently being conducted by the Learning and Skills Council and to respond to the formal consultation.

To agree the approach required to ensure a successful transition of this service to the Council.

To consider progress against the Council's Human Resources (HR) Strategy including main findings from the 2004 Staff Opinion Survey, and 2003-04 Exit Surveys.

To approve the Implementing Electronic Government Return 2004 (IEG4).  

(Note:  Due to technical difficulties the Return is enclosed as a separate document.)

To determine how best to take forward the recommendations contained in the Property Management Scrutiny Review which were considered by the Strategic Monitoring Committee.

EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS

In the opinion of the Proper Officer, this appendix and the next item will not be, or are likely not to be, open to the public and press at the time they are considered.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12(A) of the Act as indicated below.

The attached appendix to the report is exempt.

This item discloses any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the authority in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services.

To note the actions taken to consider accommodating Unity Gardens on the former Nursery Site, Ledbury Road, Hereford and to agree to formally notify Unity Gardens of the outcome.

This item discloses:

(a)            information relating to any particular occupier or former occupier of, or applicant for, accommodation provided by or at the expense of the authority; and

(b)        any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Authority in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services.