CCN reacts to Brexit

Over the coming period we will support our members in tackling some immediate issues, including;

• Advocating for a period financial stability and no further funding reductions. County authorities have more than played our part, and CCN will make the strongest case possible against any reduction in our funding. We will also seek urgent clarification over planned reforms business rates retention.
• Supporting the LGA in representing the interests of the sector. Ensuring local government has a seat at the negotiating table and we have clarity over EU structural funds and the policy and regulatory impact of leaving the Union.
• Clarity on devolution deals that are being negotiated and are supported by our member councils.
• Safeguarding local partnerships and our role in supporting local economies and job creation. County Councils are responsible for 93% of growth related expenditure in two-tier areas and will be critical at a time of economic uncertainty. During this time, Government should not pursue combined authority deals that are not supported by our member councils and seek to potentially fragment county council services.

The powers and funding that are returned from Brussels cannot reside in Westminster. They need to flow from Westminster to the shire counties of England, giving a real say to local people.

In delivering a devolution settlement for the whole of England, we now have the opportunity to engage new a Prime Minister and Government, hopefully placing County authorities at the forefront of the devolution and public service reform debate.

Our new campaign, Your County Matters and wide-ranging policy work on the future of county public services takes on even greater importance during the coming period.

CCN will look to put forward a positive case for delivering devolution and public reform, building on, not undermining, county governance.

In particular, the changing dynamics in Westminster present an opportunity to put forward alternative models for devolution to county areas.

Our members have continuously raised concerns over the one-size-fits all approach to Elected Mayors.

There is now a period for the Government to reconsider this approach where our members feel this governance model is not appropriate for their areas.