Agenda and minutes

No declarations of interest were made.

Cllr Sean Anstee introduced the report which updated on the joint working between the LGA and DCLG on the proposals for local government business rates retention, including the launch of a summer consultation.

Cllr Anstee explained that the principles of business rates retention had been agreed between the LGA and DCLG, and the previous Secretary of State had announced the consultation at the LGA conference in Bournemouth. The LGA had formed a Task and Finish Group to consider issues around business rates retention; the Task and Finish Group would consider the response and the LGA would submit a response by the deadline on 26 September 2016.

There followed a detailed discussion in which Members’ provided a steer to inform the LGA’s response to the Government consultation paper.  The following points were raised:

·         The LGA should respond on areas where there was clear agreement amongst Councils. There was a lot of common ground between the political parties on the issue of business rates, and local government should look to add value to the system.

·         There was concern that additional cost pressures were not adequately funded, and it would be sensible to have a conversation with the government on that issue. There should be a formula which works out a needs assessment, which would help distribution.

·         Some areas and regions of the country would be more impacted upon than others, and some of the new burdens to be implemented by the government would have no impact and would not help to grow the economy. The LGA should strongly make the case that the formula should be fair for all areas.

·         The improved Better Care Fund, which it was proposed would be funded on a ring-fenced basis, should be piloted in a variety of different council areas.

·         There should be incentives in the system to ensure that both the government and councils contributed with the most effective use of resources.

Decisions

The LGA Executive:

      i.        noted the report; and

     ii.        agreed their comments would inform the LGA’s response to the Government’s Consultation on Business Rates Retention.

The LGA Chairman moved the report which included the 2015/16 annual reports of each LGA Board/Portfolio. The reports outlined the work each Board/Portfolio had overseen during the previous meeting cycle and outlined key achievements.

The report was agreed without comment.

Decision

The LGA Executive noted the Boards’/Portfolios’ achievements and reflections on the 2015/16 meeting year.

Decision

The LGA Executive noted the minutes of the leadership Board held on 20 July 2016.

Decision

The LGA Executive agreed the minutes of the meeting held on 9 June 2016.

Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive, introduced the report which suggested some priority areas of focus for the LGA and local government within the context of the recent EU Referendum result and appointment of the new Prime Minister and Cabinet.   Members’ views were sought to help inform future LGA priorities.

There followed a detailed discussion in which Members’ provided a steer to inform the LGA’s work programme and draft LGA Autumn Statement submission. Further consideration of the Autumn Statement submission would be held at the next meeting of the Executive on 15 September 2016. During the discussion the following points were raised:

·         There was concern regarding EU funding currently received by Councils, but it was hoped that the sector would receive assurances on existing resources soon.

·         The LGA, on behalf of local government, would have a seat at the negotiation table for discussions on leaving the European Union. There should be a focus on double devolution from Brussels and from Whitehall.

·         There would be an interim period before the start of a regional aid programme, and as part of this there should be a greater investment in infrastructure as well as in people and communities.

·         The LGA should focus on community cohesion following the EU Referendum vote, and how councils could help to mend fractures in society. This was particularly important following concerning cases of anti-social behaviour across the country in recent weeks.

·         The LGA should be campaigning for the importance of needs based funding of services, and local government should be part of the solution in any discussions with the government.

Decisions

The LGA Executive agreed that their comments inform:

      i.        the development of an LGA’s work programme on the implications of leaving the European Union for councils and representing England and local government in EU negotiations;

     ii.        a programme of work on building relationships with the Prime Minister and relevant new Ministers; and

    iii.        the LGA’s submission to Government in advance of the Autumn Statement.

Actions

·         Develop a work programme on the implications of Brexit for councils and representing England and local government in the Brexit negotiations.

·         Develop a programme of work on building relationships with the Prime Minister and relevant new Ministers.

·         Draft Autumn Statement submission for the September Executive for clearance.