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SEEC priorities

SEEC priorities

South East England Councils (SEEC) was established in April 2009 to represent and promote the views and interests of the 74 local authorities in the South East.

With members representing all tiers of local authorities and all three main political parties, SEEC carries a unique mandate as the single democratic voice of the South East. SEEC is a voluntary body funded by member council subscriptions.  For more information, including the benefits of membership, please see here.

SEEC’s key principles

SEEC has a wide remit, which includes effective representation of local authority interests on issues affecting South East councils. SEEC works to four principles:

1.  Strive for a fair funding deal for the South East
Making the case for fairer national funding settlements for South East local authorities and maximising councils’ access to EU funding opportunities.

2.  Promote the South East’s position as a leading global economy
Making the case for strategic infrastructure and investment needs to maintain the South East’s international competitiveness, including joint working with business.

3.  Act as single democratic voice for South East interests
Representing all tier and cross-boundary views to Government, maintaining dialogue with neighbouring areas, and representing South East local government interests on external bodies.

4.  Monitor the pulse of the South East
Tracking data to illustrate South East successes and pressure points in delivering effective local services and supporting economic growth. This will include a focus on areas such as public finance, housing & infrastructure, economic trends and impact of migration.

SEEC’s key work areas

For 2012-13 SEEC will focus its work in two key areas:

  • Infrastructure – including making the case for investment in the transport, housing, economic development, skills and water supplies that the South East needs to help the UK economy recover from recession. The South East can offer an excellent return on investment and this will be a focus in helping press for funding via central government, initiatives such as Community Infrastructure Levy and EU grants.
  • Health & wellbeing – including a focus on the demographic time bomb facing the South East, securing successful transfer of public health responsibilities to local government and sharing good practice on innovative service delivery.
     
    In addition, SEEC will also continue to produce its regular data dashboard and host a UKBA-funded project ensuring regular updates for members on migration issues, such as the impact of migration on policing and skills.