The work of the Council is financed by members through mutual agreement as required.British-Irish Council website, Frequently Asked Questions: Who pays for the British-Irish Council? </ref> At the ninth meeting of the Council in July 2007 it was decided that with devolved government returned to Northern Ireland that an opportune time existed "to undertake a strategic review of the Council's work programmes, working methods and support arrangements." This decision included the potential for a permanent standing secretariat, which was established in Edinburgh, Scotland, on 4 January 2012.