William Eichler 08 August 2019

Local government ‘shut out’ of Brexit discussions, Labour warns

Andrew Gwynne, the shadow secretary of state for communities and local government, has raised concerns that local authorities will not be represented on the Government’s EU Exit Operations Committee.

Prime minister Boris Johnson has selected 14 out of 23 cabinet ministers to attend the committee. However, the secretary of state for communities and local government, Robert Jenrick, will not be present.

‘Once again, Government claims to be supporting our councils with Brexit preparations ring hollow,’ said Mr Gwynne.

‘Local Government is responsible for the delivery of social care, public health services, as well as the local services that people rely on – it is unthinkable that the Government fails to see how these services could be hit by a No-Deal Brexit.’

Senior policy researcher at the NLGN think-tank, Charlotte Morgan, told The MJ: 'Why is health and social care represented and not local government? Who do they think is responsible for social care and public health?'

An MHCLG spokesperson said: 'The local government secretary, the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP regularly attends committee meetings where key Brexit-related decisions are made and it is nonsense to suggest otherwise.

'Local government has the strongest possible voice at cabinet, with three ministers from the department attending. We are working closely with local councils to get ready to leave the EU on 31 October and have recently made available £72m to support locally-led preparations.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Planning Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 Grade 12 £42,708 to £46,731 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Durham County Council is looking for experienced and knowledgeable Senior Planning Officers to join our vibrant Development Management team. Our team Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Service – Social Care

Wrexham County Borough Council
G15 £63,148 - £67,058 per annum
There is an exciting opportunity within Children Social Care to join the senior management team Wrexham (Wrecsam)
Recuriter: Wrexham County Borough Council

Head of Service Social Work & Specialist Support

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Grade M scp 60 £72,118 - scp 64 £77,293
There couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Cafe Assistant - Weald Country Park

Essex County Council
Up to £13.3000 per hour
Café Assistant (Weald Country Park)Contract
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner