Decision details

Kieran Curran, Policy Manager, presented a report updating the Cabinet Committee on some of the more significant issues facing the County Council in the wake of the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union.  At the Cabinet Committee's meeting in September 2017, further information had been requested.

The Committee were updated on the following range of issues:

·  Impact on regional economic growth

·  Impact on inward migration

·  Impact on workforce

·  Impact on manufacturing

·  Impact on the National Health Service

·  Impact on European Union structural funding streams

·  Representation of local government in the withdrawal negotiations and beyond

·  Survey: a view from Leaders and Chief Executives

·  Devolution and regulatory powers

·  Impact on regulatory frameworks

It was reported that there was no significant progress in relation to regulatory issues and funding streams.  A query was raised about the tendering process.  The Committee noted that any future work around this would need to focus on the main regulatory impacts of procurement, Human Resources and waste.

The latest figures from the Purchase Managers Index showed that business activity in the North West was now growing faster than London and further information was provided to the Committee in relation to single market, free trade and no deal for the UKs Government regions.

In relation to the impact on workforce, it was reported that the Migration Advisory Committee had been commissioned by Government to consider the impacts of withdrawal on the United Kingdom labour market and aligning the United Kingdom's immigration system with a modern Industrial Strategy.  This report was due to go out for consultation later this year.

it was reported that a recent poll of members by the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce revealed that, whilst a majority of respondents had never employed EU migrant workers, there were some concerns that employment restrictions would harm productivity and significantly increase labour costs.

The Chair wished to take up the offer of officers providing specific information in relation to potential or likely impacts on a range of issues of interest to the county council (including workforce recruitment and the likely effects of withdrawal on key industries in Lancashire), so Members could take up these issues with H.M. Government.

A further report would be presented to the Committee in September/October, proving more information and clarity, in addition to including the findings of the  Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee inquiry.  In addition, the risks/opportunities would be included in relation to the impact on regional economic growth.

Resolved:  That the Cabinet Committee note the report.