05.08.19
LGA praises Brexit preparations funding announcement
The government’s recent announcement of additional funding to be secured for councils to assist them with Brexit preparations, particularly surrounding the possibility of a no-deal exit, has been welcomed by the Local Government Association (LGA).
Councils and the LGA will now look to work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to best utilise the funds they have been allocated to them.
Chairman of the LGA’s Brexit Taskforce, Councillor Kevin Bentley said: “The Government has listened to our calls recognising the central role councils play and that more resources are needed for their Brexit preparations.
“The funding announced today will help councils continue to co-ordinate their efforts. With councils already facing a funding gap of more than £3bn in 2019/20 it is more important now than ever that councils receive the resources they need for their on-going Brexit preparations.
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“Councils are already taking a lead on preparations for Brexit and have been working tirelessly to ensure their communities and businesses are as prepared as they can be given the uncertainty surrounding the process.
”Brexit will affect local areas in different ways, and Brexit preparations must reflect local circumstances. Local leaders are best placed to ensure preparations are directed where there is most need.
”There remains information and advice gaps that councils are facing while helping their communities prepare, which need to be met by the Government. Councils also need certainty to plan for their communities over the longer-term, such as on the domestic replacement for EU funding.
”We look forward to working with MHCLG to understand the detail of today’s announcement. In the meantime we will continue to work with councils to identify the issues which need to be addressed at a national level to ensure that councils are as prepared as they can be.”