Director for Local Government at the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), Sean Nolan said:
“As ministers travel to Brussels to begin the massive task of disentangling the UK from the EU, it is important that the planned changes to local government set out before the referendum do not get pushed to one side and forgotten.
“Across the country councils are facing their own unique set of challenges, which can not all be treated as a priority for Whitehall during the Brexit negotiations. Nevertheless, common needs, such as the provision of social care should be front and centre of talks. For example, securing the rights of current EU workers, many of whom prop up social care services, should be paramount.
“The government should also address the redistribution of structural funding, which many communities are currently heavily reliant on.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
To examine the risks and opportunities of Brexit for public services, CIPFA has established a Brexit Commission, comprised of sector leaders, experts and economists.
More information on the Brexit Commission is available on CIPFA’s website: http://www.cipfa.org/about-cipfa/press-office/latest-press-releases/cipfa-to-launch-independent-brexit-advisory-commission-to-safeguard-and-boost-the-sustainability-of-public-services