Mark Whitehead 01 December 2017

Regional funding requires ‘radical shake-up’ post-Brexit, commission says

Public sector leaders have called for a radical shake-up of the way regional funding now coming from the EU is shared out after Brexit.

The Brexit Advisory Commission of Public Services says any replacement of the estimated €3.4bn a year now paid out by the EU should be based on need rather than population size.

It says although it is unclear whether EU public service funding will be matched by the UK Government beyond 2020, the money must be given to areas where there is need and directed towards meeting specific outcomes.

The commission, comprising public sector leaders, experts and economists, says the Barnett Formula must be urgently reviewed because it allocates funding based on population size and not need.

The commission's chair, Julia Goldsworthy, director of strategy for West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), said: 'Simply cutting and pasting the existing regime into UK administration isn’t ambitious enough.

'The UK should seize this opportunity to reform any future programme by basing its approach on need and meeting specific outcomes.'  

Commission member Rob Whiteman, chief executive of CIPFA, said: 'Although the UK Government has many pressing Brexit negotiation priorities to focus on, the issue of how best to reformulate EU funding schemes is one that cannot be neglected for too long.

'The Government needs to have a vision for Brexit Britain which is built on inclusive growth and giving communities a greater sense of empowerment. That won’t be possible without drastically reshaping the current funding formula.'

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner