More than six out of 10 council chief executives and leaders believe Brexit will be damaging to their local economy, a new survey has found.

The survey, conducted by the NLGN think-tank, found only 12% believe Brexit will have a positive or very positive impact on their local economy.

NLGN director, Adam Lent, said: 'Weaker local economies would lead to a lower ability to raise revenue through business rates – something which local services will increasingly come to rely upon.

'This means there is a real risk that local taxpayers will be left picking up the bill – either by significant raises to council tax or the reduction in the services that councils can deliver.'

The research also found the majority of council chiefs are 'dissatisfied' with the help provided by Government in preparing for the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

Only 4% said they had received 'adequate' support, with 68% saying Whitehall was failing to help them plan for Brexit.