Agenda item

The Chair invited Philip Clifford, Senior Adviser, to introduce the item.  Philip updated Members on the progress, focus and direction of work to advance the position of local government in relation to trade and inward investment policy.  Philip stated that a main goal within this work-stream is to engage the Department of International Trade (DIT), along with linking them with the Department of Business, Energy and industrial Strategy (BEIS).  Philip concluded that the complexities of Brexit was dominating DIT’s policy. 

The Chair thanked Philip for his update and opened the discussion out to Members:

·         Members made reference to the recent trade visit to Japan, made by Mayor Ben Houchen (Tees Valley), and commented that trade-talks direct from local government being undertaken, but questioned where this information and progression was going. 

·         Members stated the need to ensure the right headway was made with the correct Ministers, who understood local government.  Members agreed that it is crucial to employ the correct lobbying tactics. 

·         Members discussed the need for more focused messaging around this work from the LGA. 

·         Members discussed the need to ensure that DIT undertake visits out to the regions across England and Wales, and talk with business leaders and manufacturers. 

·         Members discussed the need to ensure local government representation are included during trade talks and deals. 

The Chair stated that previous asks around this work were quite broad, and that a sustainable, one-voice effort is made.  The Chair concluded that it was important to let Ministers know that local government is in this space. 

The Chair thanked Members for their comments.