ONGOING uncertainty over Brexit is “curtailing” business investment in St Helens, a council report has said.

St Helens Council’s Budget 2018-20 update report says there are a number of issues relating to the nature of the UK’s exit from the EU.

The report says the key issues for the council are the impact on the local economy and the access to EU funding.

“The Government has previously stated it expects the economy will not be adversely affected however this is dependent upon the terms of the EU exit and that a commitment to fund those schemes already approved for EU funding,” the report says.

“Ongoing uncertainty is considered to have a generally negative impact on economic activity and curtailment of business investment.

“It is unknown to what extent the Government will continue to support regions’ to attempt to balance economic activity as was the case with EU funding.”

The report adds that rising inflation due to a “no deal” Brexit would result in further pressure on the council’s budgets.

Deputy council leader Andy Bowden said the Government needs to “get its act together” after ten days that has seen Brexit Secretary David Davis and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson resign over Theresa May’s Chequers deal.

Mrs May had to fend off a Commons rebellion from pro-EU Conservatives on Tuesday, defeating the Brexit trade bill by six votes.

Guto Bebb, one of 14 Tory rebels, quit so he could vote against the Government on the bill, which was an attempt to keep Britain in a customs union with the EU.

Just 24 hours earlier the Prime Minister accepted amendments from hardline Tory Brexiters – led by Jacob Rees-Mogg – including one intended to scupper her plans for a new customs deal.

Speaking at cabinet on Wednesday night, Cllr Bowden said ministers need to “stop squabbling” and put the country’s interests before their own.

He also questioned the Government’s previous assertions, as highlighted in the report, that the UK’s economy will not be “adversely affected” by Brexit.

Cllr Bowden, Labour ward councillor for Parr, said: “I’m sure as individuals we could debate that point long into the night depending on our particular views on the rights and wrongs of Brexit.

“In fact, that’s what Government ministers are doing – arguing among themselves.

“But what we do know is that business does not like uncertainty and that is impacting now on businesses in St Helens, in the North West and across the country.

“And the Government really does need to get its act together on this.

“It needs to give clarity, it needs to stop squabbling and start to think about what’s in the best interests of the country and best interests of businesses here and not just about themselves and who will be the next leader of the Conservative Party.”