Issue - meetings

Report of Assistant Director for Corporate Governance

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Zoe Nicholson

(Non-key decision):

(1) To note the Council’s preparations and readiness for the UK leaving the EU without a formal agreement or transition period;

(2) To note East Sussex County Council’s statement at paragraph 3.8 on traffic issues at Newhaven Port under a no-deal Brexit scenario.

(3) That, in the absence of recent contact, the Cabinet resolve to write to the Department for Transport, in liaison with East Sussex County Council and seek current information and assurance in respect of the impact on Newhaven Port in the event of no-deal Brexit.

(4) That the Council liaise with the Citizens Advice Bureau to explore ways in which advice and support on applying to the EU Settlement Scheme can be given for European Union Nationals living in the District.

(5) That the Council investigate the feasibility of longer term emergency collaboration with other public sector agencies in the event of prolonged issues relating to shortages.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Assistant Director for Corporate Governance briefing the Cabinet on the Council’s preparedness for a no-deal Brexit.

The Assistant Director for Corporate Governance updated the Cabinet of developments since publication of the report in respect of Newhaven Port and summarised the Council’s duties and arrangements in respect of emergency response planning.

The Cabinet discussed the report and agreed to make some additional resolutions and this was detailed below.

Resolved (Non-key decision):

(1) To note the Council’s preparations and readiness for the UK leaving the EU without a formal agreement or transition period;

(2) To note East Sussex County Council’s statement at paragraph 3.8 on traffic issues at Newhaven Port under a no-deal Brexit scenario.

(3) That, in the absence of recent contact, the Cabinet resolve to write to the Department for Transport, in liaison with East Sussex County Council and seek current information and assurance in respect of the impact on Newhaven Port in the event of no-deal Brexit.

(4) That the Council liaise with the Citizens Advice Bureau to explore ways in which advice and support on applying to the EU Settlement Scheme can be given for European Union Nationals living in the District.

(5) That the Council investigate the feasibility of longer term emergency collaboration with other public sector agencies in the event of prolonged issues relating to shortages.

Reason for decisions:

Local government should be prepared to leave the EU by the end of October, and the Council has both a general role to play and a specific responsibility as the Newhaven Port Health Authority.