Secretary of State questioned on local government priorities for Brexit
19 December 2017
Clive Betts, Chair of the Communities and Local Government Committee, calls on the Secretary of State to consider evidence submitted to the Committee on the impact of Brexit on local government as the Government moves forward with negotiations on the UK's withdrawal from the EU.
- Letter from the Chair to SoS (CLG) relating to Brexit and Local Government, 18 December 2017
- Inquiry: Brexit and Local Government
- Communities and Local Government Committee
Four key areas
In a letter to Sajid Javid, Mr Betts sets out four key areas raised by witnesses during an evidence session this month and in written submissions as part of the Committee's inquiry in to the consequences of withdrawal and the role local authorities could play post-Brexit.
The Committee is asking the Government to consider key questions in the following areas:
- The replacement of EU funding streams
- Changes in the EU workforce
- Retaining, amending and repealing EU legislation
- Representation of local government in the Brexit negotiations and beyond
Future of EU funding streams a big concern
Clive Betts said:
"The Secretary of State has acknowledged that local government has a critical role to play in ensuring the best Brexit for the UK and we are calling on him to take account of the evidence we have received from local authorities across the UK.
The Local Government Association told us that the future of EU funding streams is one of the biggest concerns so Ministers need to be clear about how existing funding will be replaced when we leave the EU. There also needs to be greater clarity on how local authorities are being helped to prepare for Brexit in an already difficult financial climate.
It's not yet clear how the Government is engaging with local authorities in the process and it's vital that their views are heard to ensure the best outcome for all."
Further information
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