Export businesses ‘could see rise in paperwork after EU departure’

A WEST Yorkshire town hall is worried about the amount of extra paperwork that could be generated for local businesses after the UK leaves the European Union.

Senior Calderdale councillors are being briefed on preparations the authority is making in a range of areas when Brexit happens, with a risk assessment document updated regularly.

The council’s Audit Committee has already been receiving and commenting upon regular riskassessment reports and its Cabinet will discuss the latest position when it meets at Halifax Town Hall on Monday.

According to a new report, local businesses are determined to make the best of Brexit and are preparing to make the most of new opportunities which might arise from it.

But it says that if a deal changes existing documentation the borough’s export businesses could face a sheaf of fresh paperwork.

It says: “One of the biggest concerns is the potential increase in the amount of documentation that will be required to export products to Europe if there is a deal which changes the existing documentation.

“Latest figures indicate that there are over 1,000 exports per month from 300 exporters across Kirklees and Calderdale.”

Leader of Calderdale Council, Coun Tim Swift, said the council was striving to help people prepare in a situation that was not yet clear, meaning plans had to be in place for potential different outcomes.

“We continue to do all we can to help our staff, residents, businesses and other local organisations be as prepared as possible for Brexit.”