One of SEEC's key objectives is to represent and promote the views and interests of local government in the South East. We are the only organisation that speaks on behalf of all tiers of local government, with members covering county, unitary and district councils.

Our priority is to ensure that Government policies and investment decisions take account of the needs of the South East and our ability, as the engine room of the UK economy, to help drive the country out of recession. Each year the South East contributes millions more to the Treasury than is spent on public services in the South East.

SEEC members welcome the 'localism' agenda introduced since the May 2010 General Election and support the greater devolution of powers and funding to local government. During 2010 we made the case for the South East on a number of specific policies, such as changes to Government funded bodies operating in our area (such as SEEDA and GOSE) and decisions on funding (such as the autumn 2010 Spending Review).

SEEC also produces Data Dashboard highlighting key data and trends affecting the South East, helping to inform our work in speaking for the South East.  We also produce occasional  briefings for members on major announcements or important policy issues.

The list below offers a summary of SEEC's work during 2010 including briefings and work to make the South East's case to Government Ministers:

•  Councils need to retain business rates and use TIF to invest in vital economic infrastructure (December 2010)

•  Call to reassess debt and review cost basis of Housing Revenue Account (December 2010)

•  New Homes bonus may need to offer greater incentives (December 2010)

•  Council formula grants need fundamental reform - consultation response (October 2010)

•  RSG top slicing needs clarity - consultation response (October 2010)

•  South East offers excellent return on investment - response to Regional Growth Fund consultation (September 2010)

•  Make grants fair and transparent - article in Local Government Chronicle (August 2010)

•  Ending child detention in immigration cases - response by SEEC affiliated body the South East Strategic Partnership for Migration (July 2010)

• South East economy needs National Insurance 'holiday' too (July 2010)

• Disproportionate cuts to South East will damage UK - SEEC contribution to Government Spending Review (July 2010)

• Funds for improving homes deliver real benefits - (July 2010)

• Direct working between councils and central Government without GOSE (July 2010)

• Devolving economic development to local authorities without SEEDA (June 2010)

• Making the case  for continued investment in key transport projects (June 2010)