, Chair of the Communities and
Local Government Committee, has called 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.
In a letter to (attached), 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
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.”
ENDS
Editor’s note: The Committee took oral
evidence on 6 December from Professor Amelia Hadfield, Director,
Centre for European Studies, Canterbury Christ Church University,
Professor Laurence Ferry, Durham University, Rob Whiteman, Chief
Executive, Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy,
and Professor Tony Travers, Director, Institute of Public
Affairs, London School of Economics; Councillor Kevin Bentley,
Brexit Task and Finish Group, Local Government Association,
Jessie Hamshar, Service Director (Strategy and Engagement),
Cornwall Council, and Helen Dickinson, Assistant Chief Executive,
Newcastle City Council. A transcript is available here. The
session can be viewed on Parliament TV here.
The Committee also received 36 written
submissions.
