York Councillors receive an BREXIT update as the transition period nears its end.

Senior councillors will receive an update on City of York Council’s preparations for the end of the Transition period scheduled to take place on 1 January 2021.

The end of the transition follows UK’s exit from the European Union on 31 January 2020. The Council continues to support businesses and residents to prepare as much as possible for the upcoming changes by ensuring they have access to information, advice and support and by linking up with relevant authorities at a local, regional and national level.

Work is ongoing to support residents with their EU settlement scheme applications and the council continues to encourage those yet to apply to do so.

The most recent figures by the Government suggest that there have been 6,650 applications to the Settlement Scheme by people living in York with 6,470 concluded applications. This is out of an estimated EU population of 7,000.

Of the concluded applications:

3,680 achieved settled status – those who had been in the UK for 5 years or more
2,690 achieved pre-settled status – for those who have lived in the UK for less than 5 years
100 were other (i.e. not eligible)

EU residents can visit GOV.UK for further information about applying to the EU Settlement Scheme: www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families. Information on the EU Settlement Scheme support in York is available at www.york.gov.uk/EUSettlementScheme. The deadline for applying is 30 June 2021.

At the meeting members will be asked to note the update on what the city is doing to prepare and request officers continue to monitor and prepare for the end of the transition period, working locally, regionally and nationally so the city continues to be as prepared as it possibly can be.

York plans for “no deal” Brexit

The Government claims that “a scenario in which the UK leaves the EU without agreement (a ‘no deal’ scenario) remains unlikely” whilst advising councils to prepare for all eventualities, including a no-deal.

The council’s Executive will be asked to note the work undertaken with partners so far and identify other areas the council could consider to help the city move confidently forward and positively respond to any change.

Executive takes place on Thursday 18 October from 5.30pm and is open to members of the public or is available to watch live online from: www.york.gov.uk/webcasts

York to ensure Brexit contingencies are in place

City of York Council will soon be analysing contingency plans in the event of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit.

To date, nearly 30 councils have responded to a freedom of information request for their Brexit plans, with some expressing mounting concern at having to plan to deliver local public services post-Brexit.

With the release of the Government’s delayed ‘no deal’ Brexit contingency reports, there is a large amount of information which has been suddenly released into the public domain and this will take some time to analyse.

It is our objective to ensure that all residents, businesses and partner organisations are able to plan ahead, with confidence, and make sure day to day business continues.

Cllr Andrew Waller, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader of the Council, commented:

“There is a huge amount of uncertainty, both locally and nationally. No matter which side of the argument you are on, it is vital that we are to plan ahead in order to minimise disruption and retain a successful York economy.”

“Looking forward, aspects of supply chains will be examined by the Council in order to make sure Council services, which residents rely on, are able to continue effectively. For example, ensuring parts for our Council vehicles are received.”

“This is an incredibly large and complex piece of work, but it is important that residents, businesses and partners are able to access this information.”
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