Agenda item

The Chairman welcomed members to the meeting and referred them to a recent publication from the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, which had been distributed on arrival. 

For more information please visit citizensadvice.org.uk or contact Judith.edwards@citizensadvice.org.uk .

Members noted the LGA’s work in formulating a strategy for its involvement in negotiations following the country’s decision to leave the European Union. Lord Porter introduced Nick Golding, News Editor of the Local Government Chronicle who would be Chairing this item, and also guest speakers Andrew Carter, Deputy Chief Executive of the Centre for Cities and Shaun Spiers, Chief Executive of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, who would be providing both urban and rural perspectives on the opportunities and threats of leaving the EU and the challenges facing the LGA.

Mr Golding said that he was honoured to Chair the discussion and referred to the recent LGA Conference, where confirmation had been given that Councils would have a seat at the table in negotiating exit arrangements.  He went on to introduce Shaun Spiers. 

Mr Spiers spoke about key issues affecting rural areas and ways in which these would be affected.  He focussed on these key areas:

·         Mr Spiers outlined current funding levels for agricultural support and issues already arising from the decision to leave, including a collapse in the house building and planning industry.  Greater investment should be encouraged by providing a physical stimulus to enable the country to build the many houses needed. Local Authorities would need to adopt new systems for better spending.

·         Rural areas would find it harder to justify level of funding going to farming and land management.  There were concerns around immigration and the impact on many who currently work in agriculture.

·         Continued plans for devolution needed to address how money is spent for European structural funds in order to include sustaining ongoing developments.

Mr Carter continued, referring to the need for urgent clarification on EU funding and the negotiation process.  He spoke about the LGA and cities’ roles in determining what is mandatory and how these and Local Authority priorities would be reconciled.  Members agreed that there would be challenges ahead and Whitehall should be encouraged to move more speedily in addressing these queries.  He said that the broader agenda around growth and investment should not get lost in negotiations and that devolution deals already struck taken forward without delay.  Members agreed that housing supply needed to be urgently addressed and debated current constraints on building more local authority housing and problems around the cost and availability of appropriate land. 

Members agreed that Local Government were best placed to advice Central Government on local issues affecting their communities further to the decision to leave the European Union.  It was important to continue the agenda on devolution and in particular on issues around housing.  

The Chairman thanked the Panel for their attendance and an enjoyable debate, and suggested that housing and planning should be a subject for discussion at a future meeting of the Councillors’ Forum.