Agenda item

Cllr Clarence Barrett, Chair of the Resources Board EU Funding Working Group, introduced the report which provided an update on securing investment currently sourced from the EU. Members noted that Article 50 had been triggered the previous week, which commenced the formal start of Brexit negotiations.

It was highlighted that in December 2016 the LGA had commissioned Shared Intelligence Ltd to provide focused independent research on EU funding, including case studies to support the case for continuation of regional aid after the UK has left the EU, and a final evidence report and policy recommendation on early thinking options for the future design of post-EU exit domestic regional aid policy in England. They had presented interim findings to the LGA and further in depth analysis would be undertaken to strengthen the case.

The LGA was also considering a range of post-Brexit options following the publication of the Government’s Brexit White Paper, and these would be explored through the Working Group and reported back to a future Board meeting.

Members supported the view that the Government should continue to support regional aid as it supported vital areas such as rural economies and broadband roll out.

Decision

The Resources Board noted the update.