The Welsh organisation said European legislation for local councils, particularly with regards to the environment, should be protected.
While the WLGA stated it “recognises and respects” the views of Welsh voters in the EU referendum and the decision to exit the European Union, the association noted it will take time to fully digest the impact on Welsh councils “both as the largest employer in Wales and as deliverers of public services.”
Funding
Councillor Bob Wellington, leader of the WLGA, said: “Councils have strong links with Europe not least when it comes to the use of structural funds, workforce rights and legislation across key areas like food safety and air pollution.
“While we are signalling an end to our membership of the EU it is vital that promises made during the referendum by the Leave campaign to protect regeneration funding in Wales are honoured.”
Cllr Wellington believes for big investment projects a new UK regional policy will now be required.
Noting that the WLGA “wholeheartedly supports” the call from the first minister for a revision of the Barnett formula and a new financial settlement for Wales, Cllr Wellington also said the Association “fundamentally” opposes any emergency budget that sets out further cuts and renewed austerity with councils “once again bearing the strain.”
Framework
Cllr Wellington added: “For local councils, it is also imperative that we do not jettison those positive elements of European legislation, particularly on the environment, which are at the heart of service delivery.
“Much of the framework of legislation which protects our daily lives has stemmed from this source. The safety of our food, air quality, pollution controls and the product safety of the goods that we buy online or from the high street has been designed with UK input but passed in Brussels.”
Protection
Cllr Wellington said that over the next period an “extremely important task” has to be undertaken to ensure the protections offered to the Welsh public by local councils are not undermined. This, he noted, means preventing the removal of the fundamental European legislation which provides public protection activity at local level.
Commenting that “as a responsible employer,” local government has a duty to highlight potential difficulties for its workforce, Cllr Wellington concluded: “The WLGA recognises that it is early days and there is much to reflect upon. We fully supported the Remain campaign.
“We fully accept the judgement of the Welsh and UK electorate, and our councils will seek to work with all levels of government to deliver the best possible outcome for communities in Wales.”
Scottish view from COSLA
Scottish local authorities have also commented on the impact of Brexit. The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) also spoke out about the implications of a Brexit on Scottish councils.
Commenting on the result of the EU referendum, president of COSLA, Councillor David O’Neill, said: “The result of the EU referendum vote is clearly a significant one. COSLA backed Remain on a cross-party basis and as an organisation we have a leading role and strong influence in Europe, so we are clearly disappointed with the outcome.
“We now need to consider the implications going forward. There is no doubt that it will take time for the detail of what impact the decision to leave the EU will have on us – but in the meantime, as always, COSLA will continue to provide advice, information and support for our member councils in the best interests of both local government and our communities.”
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