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. As this agenda develops, we continue to make the case for the South East on specific policies amd respond to Government consultations on issues relevant to our members' interests.

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. In addition, we produce occasional briefings for members on major announcements or important policy issues.

Recent briefings and cases made to Government Ministers include the following:

2012

• SEEC & SESL joint response to DfT's consultation on devolving local major transport schemes - (April 2012)

• SEEC response to DCLG consultation on changes to statistics - (April 2012)

• SEEC briefing on the National Planning Policy Framework - (March 2012) 

• SEEC briefing on Draft European Energy Efficiency Directive - (January 2012)

• Social care input to Commons Health Committee inquiry - (published February 2012). Joint submission by SEEC, South East Strategic Leaders (SESL) & South East Councils' Adult Social Care (SECASC) members.

• Budget Briefing 2012 - impact on the South East and its local authorities (March 2012).

2011 

• Devolve powers to South East councils not only to cities with mayors - (December 2011)

• Policy round-up including autumn statement - (December 2011)

• Business rate incentives for councils too small says SEEC - (October 2011)

• SEEC response on National Planning Policy Framework - (October 2011) 

• SEEC annual review (July 2011)

• SEEC briefing on the Localism Bill - Lords stages (June 2011)

• South East needs continued access to EU funds (June 2011)

• Local Government Resource Review - introduction to SEEC research (April 2011)

• Budget Briefing (March 2011)  

• Changes needed in RGF assessment criteria (March 2011)

• Match funding and European ERDF programme (March 2011)

• SEEC briefing - South East faces significant levels of deprivation (February 2011)

• Call for Regional Growth Fund to treat South East fairly - Letter of the week in LGC (January/February  2011)

• Councillors have essential local accountability role on EU-funded projects (January 2011)

Click here for access to SEEC's work in speaking for the South East in 2010.