Agenda item

Paper to follow.

It was agreed by the Chairman that agenda items 5 (EU Exit paper) and 6 (UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) paper) be discussed together. The Chairman invited Paul Green, Adviser, to introduce the papers.

Paul introduced both reports referred to above. The EU Exit Paper updated Board members on UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and the work that the LGA has been undertaking to support councils in preparing for Britain’s exit from the EU and the end of the transition period. The UKSPF paper updated Board members on the UKSPF and sought their steer on engagement with the Government in shaping the fund. He highlighted several key issues which were a result of the end of transition period and explained in detail the work being undertaken to address these issues.

Members made the following comments:

• We have established, through our Brexit Transition Board, a contact group with the EU to share experiences and understand what some of the issues will be as part of the Brexit work as the deal works through the transition.
• In terms of the UKSPF, I have expressed concern in the past in relation to the level at which decisions are made. The UKSPF paper is optimistic as it suggests that we will be making decisions as councils. An update in relation to local decision-making would be very helpful.
• In relation to the pilot schemes for the new fund in 2021/22, do you have any further information on that? £220 million doesn’t seem like a lot of money for the whole country.
• When it comes to direct funding for local projects, that should be done through the local authorities and not through LEPs.
• Have we received any further information from government in relation to what the role of LEPs will be? Is it moving back more towards local government?

Paul responded to the comments made by members:

• The LGA line is that the fund should be driven by councils and combined authorities and this is one of the key points the LGA will continue to make as part of our wider lobbying work..
• In relation to longer-term monitoring of the impact of the end of the transition period, there is currently a staggered approach by UK government with regards to checking paperwork for import products. April and July is when we will have an increase in checking import products, that will impact on ports, we do have certain pinch-points where know where the pressures will be as we approach the end of transition.

Decision:

Members noted the EU Exit paper.