£87,500 to prepare for a no-deal Brexit but let’s get it done
THE leader of the county council has described cash from the Government to help the authority prepare for a no-deal Brexit as “woefully inadequate”.
Leicestershire County Council has been allocated just £87,500 from a national pot of £20 million to prepare for the UK leaving Europe without a deal in place.
Councillor Nick Rushton spoke at a full council meeting as he updated members on local preparations.
He added that the council will “put our money where our mouth is” to help prepare Leicestershire for a no-deal Brexit.
Coun Rushton also said that the Tory-run council would publish “everything it humanly can” so people in Leicestershire know what is being done.
He said: “No-deal is the worst outcome, but at the moment we’ve had three-and-a-half years and there’s been no outcome whatsoever.
“I voted Remain, but now I think we should just leave.
“You don’t have a referendum then decide you don’t like the outcome, so we’ll ask again. I’m a Remainer, I lost but I respect the outcome. We should bloody well get on and leave as soon as we can.”
Members of the county council were briefed about the latest plans being put in place.
Coun Rushton added: “Whatever happens, the county council will be prepared.
“There are significant costs involved and we are being kept updated on at least a weekly basis.
“We are here, we will put our money where our mouth is, even if it becomes excessive and we have to claim reimbursement from the Government.
“We will do our utmost to help local people in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
“I am confident that effective preparations are being made but as things currently stand this will be at a significant cost to the council.”
Councillor Simon Galton, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition, said: “How a civil servant or Government officer reached the decision that £87,500 for us and £105,000 for Rutland is beyond belief.”
Coun Rushton explained that Leicester City Council has been allocated £105,000, as has Rutland County Council, because they are unitary authorities.
North West Leicestershire District Council, meanwhile, has received £167,500 because East Midlands Airport falls within its boundaries.