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SEC seeks sound strategies to enable the South East to remain a premier global trading hub and to give elected representatives greater ability to address growing regional infrastructure needs, be that in transport, housing, utilities or digital technology.
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South East is Being Wilfully Ignored by Government
Read moreSEC Writes to Labour’s Shadow Exchequer Secretary
Read moreSEC Raises Transport Inquiry with Shadow Rail Minister
Read moreSEC Raises Finance Commission with New Shadow Minister for Devolution
Read moreSouth East Councils Writes to Shadow Deputy PM Angela Rayner
Read moreSEC holds Summer Parliamentary Reception 2023 with Transport Minister
Read moreWhat we're talking about
The whole system of “beauty contest bidding” in levelling up funding is bad for #localgovernment.
It creates a “begging bowl culture” where councils are required to spend too much time and money to meet the ever-changing demands of Ministers, rather than plan for the long-term.
We were pleased to contribute published written evidence to @CommonsPAC for this report.
The means by which levelling up funding is allocated to local government in England is counterproductive.
It’s time to recognise the funding model for English Local Government is broken.
APPG South East was pleased to host @NaturalEngland for a briefing session on #NatureRecovery across the region. Thank you to Chair @SallyAnn1066 and guests including @CarolineLucas @PBottomleyMP.
"The funding model for local councils is broken. The business rates system is overly complex and in need of reform. Council tax is outdated and increasingly regressive."
- Clive Betts MP, Chair
Read our report on local authorities in financial distress: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5804/cmselect/cmcomloc/56/report.html
Devolution to Surrey & Buckinghamshire was a welcome part of today's #Budget2024 with details to be seen. But far more revenue raising powers should be devolved across the board including to Districts & Boroughs to boost local growth and empower communities.
Councils are on their last legs & today's #Budget2024 doesn't even mention sticking plasters. 12 S114 notices have been issued in England since 2018 compared to 1 in before 2000. We heard little today on reversing this trend & priorisiting local services.
When push comes to shove, today’s #Budget2024 does not reverse the fact that council spending power is 40% lower than it was in 2010. Tax cuts & more NHS funding, yet no mention of local government finance. Councils need a new funding deal.
Thank you @SECouncils and @SallyAnn1066 for putting on and hosting the South East Parliamentary reception and the opportunity to promote the great work of @MigrationSE
Last week we visited Oxford City Council as part of our Disabled People in the Housing Sector inquiry 🏘️
Thank you to the service users and council officers who took time to share their views on accessible housing to inform our work.
Follow the inquiry: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/7835/disabled-people-in-the-housing-sector/
