Press Statements

Time for councils to get more financial control to support the UK

Councillors, businesses and members of the public in the South East are more resolute than ever in their desire for financial devolution, says South East Councils (SEC).  As local authorities expect to be overlooked in this week’s Autumn Statement, SEC, which has the majority of councils in the South East as members, is calling on …

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The ‘Great British Rail Sale’ offered few rewards for South East

By Cllr Tony Page, Vice Chair of South East Councils and Deputy Leader of Reading Borough Council  The ‘Great British Rail Sale’ offered few rewards for the South East. If we are to enact a step change in sustainable travel, the South East needs a genuinely joined up approach to transport planning and investment.  Discounted …

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South East can support UK recovery – if enabled

Responding to the local government settlement, South East Councils has said that retaining more regional revenues is key if the region is to tackle climate action, address skills gaps and deliver better local services for residents.    Cllr Nicolas Heslop, Chair of South East Councils said:  “It is widely acknowledged that council finances across the country …

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A centralised approach to skills cannot optimise potential say South East Councils

Cities, towns and communities in the South East have very different and specific skills needs and local partnerships and skills provision is vital if the region is to succeed. A centralised, uniform approach cannot optimise local skills potential says South East Councils as latest polling is published.  Councillor Lynne Doherty, Executive Member of South East …

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Levelling up a mystery to many in the South East as trust in local councils remains high

Over a third of people in the South East do not know what the Government’s levelling agenda is according to new polling from South East Councils, while a clear majority believe their local council, not Boris Johnson’s government, would make the best decisions for their local areas. These were among the findings revealed in polling …

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South East can, and should, play a bigger role in economic recovery

The South East is ready and willing to take on the challenge of levelling up deprived communities, tackling climate change and upskilling to drive the economic recovery, but local government needs more funding.   Local Government This week’s Spending Review brings some relief to local authorities, but there is concern in the South East that the …

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