Title

EMERGENCY PLANNING

Councils are ready to do their best with Brexit

Heather Jameson says that in a breathtakingly brazen attempt to get the blame in early, civil servants have raised concerns about how councils will handle Brexit - but in reality local government is, mostly, at its best in an emergency.

The Government, it seems, is concerned that local authorities are not doing enough to prepare for Brexit.

In a breathtakingly brazen attempt to get the blame in early, civil servants have raised concerns about how councils will handle Brexit – despite the fact central Government still hasn't managed to pull together a plan to get past Parliament. It begs the question: what exactly is local government preparing for?

Only last month – more than two years after the public voted to leave the European Union in the referendum – MHCLG asked nine council chiefs to co-ordinate Brexit plans for their respective regions.

Until now, there has been no funding for council Brexit plans. Now it is here, it's too little to make a significant difference and too late for proper planning.

Contrast this to the estimated 4,000 civil servants in London, working on the Government's plans and it is unsurprising if councils are a bit behind the curve.

For some Government departments Brexit issues are clear, if somewhat complicated. But for local government there is an array of possible scenarios to plan for.

Contingency care staff; standby services; back-up food banks; protecting ports; civil unrest – the list of plans drawn up for the worst-case scenario is endless. Only last week, James Brokenshire wrote to councils with a checklist – just two months before Brexit day. The question is, did the Government not know what was needed from local government until now or did they just not want to write it down?

Now the missives from the ministry are coming thick and fast – with little co-ordination and even less coherent communication.

In reality, local government is, mostly, at its best in an emergency. In the event of soaring food prices and civil unrest, the sector will, I have no doubt, rise to the occasion. Pitching in to protect people and places and pulling together communities is what councils do.

Calling on councils at the 11th hour is one thing and fearing they will fail is another – but let's not play pass the buck until something has actually gone wrong.

EMERGENCY PLANNING

New beginnings for DCN chair

By Martin Ford | 29 October 2025

As Richard Wright takes the reins as chair of the District Councils’ Network, he spoke to Martin Ford about the challenges that lie ahead.

EMERGENCY PLANNING

Why local growth promotes unity

By Tom Lloyd Goodwin | 28 October 2025

Tackling inequality isn’t just about investing in the high-growth sectors of the Industrial Strategy. Dr Tom Lloyd-Goodwin argues it’s time to turn attention...

EMERGENCY PLANNING

Community restoration

By Dan Peters | 28 October 2025

After last year’s horrific terror attack in Southport, Sefton Council has been working tirelessly to rebuild trust and unity across the borough. Chief execut...

EMERGENCY PLANNING

Test, Learn and Grow: Sheffield's family hubs

By Cllr Tom Hunt | 24 October 2025

Cllr Tom Hunt says Sheffield is aiming to build on the success of its Test, Learn and Grow pilot by launching a bold new Total Place approach that brings tog...

Heather Jameson

Popular articles by Heather Jameson