Council chief’s Brexit fears

Britain’s looming exi t from the European Union is causing uncertainty in East Renfrewshire, writes Drew Sandelands, Local Democracy Reporter.

A report has revealed that millions of pounds are currently ploughed into the local authority through EU schemes and it is not clear whether this will be replaced.

East Renfrewshire Council chief executive Lorraine McMillan said: “EU funding provides direct support for many areas. There is little clarity about what will happen to funding streams in the longer term.

“The financial risks to local authorities are considered to be significant due to the nature of some EU funding streams. This is because local authorities match fund 50 per cent contributions against that funding.”

Currently, the council receives funding from the European Social Fund, the European Regional Development Fund and the LEADER programme.

From December 2015 to December 2019, this includes £ 1,471,250 from the social fund and £160,000 from the regional development fund.

It also involves a shared £ 1.1m with Inverclyde and Renfrewshire Council through the LEADER fund for rural developments.

From January 2019 to December 2022, the council is expecting £1,566,740 from the social fund and £160,000 from the development fund.

Ms McMillan said: “East Renfrewshire will continue with projects associated with this grant funding until expiry of the respective scheme.

“However, following Brexit we will be unable to apply for any new EU funding.

“It is not known at this time whether the UK Government plan to provide this kind of grant funding in the future.”

She said the council had factored potential implications into long-term financial planning.

Her comments came in a report to the council’s audit and scrutiny committee, responding to key issues raised by an Audit Scotland report.

The council has identified 52 employees who are non UK- EU nationals and will need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue to live and work in the UK.

Ms McMi l l a n said: “The council will signpost employees to the Home Office application process.

“There is some concern around volunteers. The position is less clear as they do not derive income from their charity work or any other funds.”