LGA responds to Government announcement on EU fines
LGA media release 13 July 2012
Cllr Sir Merrick Cockell, Chairman of the LGA, said:
"It is positive that many of the concerns council leaders raised with the Government over EU fines have been taken on board.
"Any attempts to pass on an EU fine to councils will now have to withstand scrutiny from both Parliament and an independent fines advisory panel. This is something which town halls pressed for and is a positive step.
"Fears had existed that councils would be instantly hit in the pocket as a result of failure of duty by contracted-out firms – but assurances have now been provided that if councils act reasonably this will be considered a factor by the fines advisory panel. It is vital that the public purse isn't hit by the actions of external organisations and this statement commits the Government to ensuring that doesn't arise.
"The LGA has been clear that EU fines are to be avoided at all costs – and councils are committed to working with the Government and other partners to ensure that such situations don't occur. In future, town halls look forward to working closely with the Government ahead of any EU discussions to discuss any implications for local government."
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Author: LGA Media Office
Contact: Mike Morgan-Giles, LGA Media Office, Telephone: 0207 664 3248
Notes to editors
To find out more about the Government's announcement, please visit the Dept for Communities and Local Government website
Dept for Communities and Local Government
4 April 2013
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