Marking the triggering of Article 50, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is announcing the establishment of an independent advisory commission that will seek to highlight the opportunities and risks to public services during the Brexit renegotiation process.
Titled the Brexit Advisory Commission for Public Services, it will explore the impact of the Brexit negotiation options on public services so that the government fully considers the needs of the sector.
How Brexit is delivered will have a profound impact on the management and reform of public services. While there will rightly be focus on sectors such as financial services, manufacturing, retail and energy, the impact on public services should be equally highlighted for public debate and ministerial consideration.
Significant areas of focus for the Commission will be the future of public services staff from EU countries, state aid rules, how structural and investment funding will be replaced and whether collaborative EU projects and initiatives will continue. The Commission will continue after Brexit as UK laws are established to replace EU laws initially written into UK statute.
Former MP and Treasury Special Advisor in the Coalition, Julia Goldsworthy, who is now leading PwC’s market engagement with the devolution agenda, will chair the Commission. She commented:
“Brexit’s impact will be felt across the sector, from Whitehall to town hall, affecting everything from staffing and funding, to procurement and taxation. It is truly a transformative moment that will not only pose challenges to the sector, but also has the potential to be a catalyst for much-needed public service reform.
“Given the economic significance of the public sector, the Commission will seek to keep the risks and opportunities for the public services in the foreground as the UK renegotiates its relationship with the EU, by offering insight, expertise and objective advice.
“For both people that deliver our public services and those that use them, it’s important to deliver the best possible deal and to ensure Brexit’s impact is a positive force for change.”
Rob Whiteman, Chief Executive of CIPFA, said:
“There will be no second chances at making Brexit work for public services and the communities that depend on them. To ensure the impact on the sector is of high political importance, the Commission will draw views from a variety of experts, policy bodies and professional organisations.
“Public service leaders are delighted the politically neutral Commission will be chaired by Julia Goldsworthy who brings insight, experience and objectivity to national debate.”
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact E: Publications@cipfa.org
Notes to editors
Aims of the Brexit Advisory Commission for Public Services:
- To shape policy around Brexit at a ministerial level and help influence a sector-wide response.
- To promote understanding of the impact Brexit could have on the public sector and how services will function outside of the EU.
- To bring people together to share knowledge and discuss the future for public services post-Brexit.
- To identify opportunities for wider public sector reform that would boost sustainability and growth of public finances.