Brighton & Hove Brexit Planning – Transition Period Update From Brighton & Hove City Council
The council is continuing to work with local and regional partners and Government to prepare the city for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. The 31st January is now the key date for the UK’s exit and will mean we enter into a period of transition and the council recognises this may raise further feelings of uncertainty. We may not feel much change in the city during this transition period as freedom of movement continues, however we know that during 2020 the Government will be announcing changes to be introduced at the end of the transition period on 31st December. The council will ensure we continue to work with partners to prepare the city for the changes ahead.
The council has a Brexit webpage providing information and signposting to support residents and businesses to prepare. The latest update on council preparations went to committee on 23rd January and a report outlining key risks and issues can be seen here.
The council’s main focus at present is to raise awareness of the EU Settlement Scheme and ensure the city’s residents are supported in applying. Further work will be done through engagement with partners to understand further changes that may be ahead for the city.
The council’s Registrar Team is continuing to provide a free identity checking service at Brighton Town Hall and there’s help also available at Jubilee library. Migrant Help are providing an advice service for vulnerable EU nationals wishing to apply to the EUSS with drop in sessions at Voices In Exile and the Citizens Advice Bureau.
There is also a phone app available (EU Exit: ID document check) for those wishing to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, that will allow you to provide pictures of your documents. It should be a simple process and is available for iPhone and Android devices. You can also use it to support friends and colleagues needing to apply who are unable to access these apps.
As the democratic voice of the city, the council has made it their business to promote a message of unity in the run up to our EU departure date. The council has made it clear that they support the city’s EU residents and workers and value the contribution they make to the rich fabric of the city and will continue to promote they city’s message of welcome and our wish for them to remain in Brighton & Hove.
The council’s three main political leaders published a collective letter to the city recently, pledging to work together on Brexit issues, support EU residents to remain in the city and safeguard Brighton & Hove’s reputation as an open and welcoming place.
The council welcomes feedback on any emerging issues of concern related to Brexit it can raise with Government or respond to directly. General enquiries should be sent to Brexit@brighton-hove.gov.uk or for further information the Brexit Coordinator, Dee Humphreys, can be contacted at dee.humphreys@brighton-hove.gov.uk.