Town hall plans for a no-deal Brexit
DETAILS on how Stockport council is preparing for a no-deal Brexit were revealed this week.
Councillors were given an update on work taking place to ensure the borough is as ‘prepared as possible’ in the event of a no-deal.
Meanwhile, as Brexit chaos continues to wreak havoc through the walls of Westminster, Stockport is preparing for all eventualities ahead of the UK’s exit from the European Union on March 29.
Speaking during Tuesday’s corporate and governance scrutiny committee meeting, council boss Alex Ganotis said that work on Brexit plans is ongoing.
“We should at least plan for a no deal Brexit,” he said.
“That doesn’t mean it is likely to happen – it would just be the prudent thing for us to do.
“However, on a Greater Manchester level, a lot of work has already been done to prepare in terms of economic impact, the consequences of leaving the EU – and mitigating that risk.
“But this paper details some potential issues that this authority needs to be aware of in case there is damage to the economy, high unemployment or extra demand for services – as a result of Brexit.
“I’m not saying this is likely or this is a robust analysis, but there are issues we need to be alert to.”
The council has listed several areas of concern and a brief overview of each one:- ●●Citizens and residency along with citizens rights
In June, the home office published the EU ‘Settlement Scheme’ of Intent, guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and those of UK nationals living in the EU.
The proposal is described as a ‘simple three-step process’ that would be quick and userfriendly – and will be fully operational by March, say government bosses.
However, the council will need to consider its duty as an employer and not ‘discriminate’ where an individual is ‘vulnerable or at risk’ and provide any general advice and/or support. ●●Community Cohesion
The council said there is a ‘growing concern’ in local authorities and third sector organisations about the impact of Brexit on local communities.
The Local Government Chronicle (LGC) undertook a survey of 251 senior officers and found that more than 50pc indicated that community cohesion had worsened since the referendum.
Meanwhile, Stockport council said: “Community cohesion has been a priority since the Manchester Arena attack – and a significant focus has been placed on ensuring harmonious and resilient communities – we will need to consider whether this is of concern following the UK’s exit.” ●●Workforce
The council says the full impact of Brexit on the authority and wider workforce will take time to emerge and may change depending on whether the UK exits with a no-deal.
There are some areas that will require urgent attention should the impact be on front line services or on the delivery of key priorities.
The areas of concern are in the health and care sector, construction – and detailed considerations will be needed regarding changes to employment law.
The government’s white paper ‘The future relationship between the UK and the EU’ proposes that there will be no regression in employment laws, however, this remains an area to track, say council chiefs. ●●Food Safety and Defra
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) covers a multitude of areas but there is a particular focus in farming, animal health, environmental regulations, marine and fisheries, science and trade.
Each of these areas will be considered to ensure the council is aware of the necessary changes required and are prepared to ensure public protection.
Meanwhile, on issues related to product safety and standards, the Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is advising ministers on the matter – and the implications for borders. ●●Business Continuity Planning
Last year, the government released a series of technical notices providing advice and guidance to organisations for responding to a no-deal Brexit.
There are areas of concern that could lead to a situation of severe disruptions in the region affecting Stockport that the council will need to consider.
While it is difficult for officers to determine the likelihood of this happening, the authority will engage with colleagues across the region to mitigate risk and plan accordingly.
“We have an effective civil contingency unity in Greater Manchester that will no doubt lead on this for the combined authority,” stated the report. ●●Food Shortages
There is the potential for implications on the price and availability of some food products.
However, this is largely focussed on where food imports from the EU will become subject to systems and checks as nonEU imports. ●●Medicine shortages
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock MP, said the government is ‘working with industry on the need for stockpiling [of medicines] in the event of a no-deal Brexit’ business continuity will be required should shortages occur and alternative plans in place to mitigate the risks. ●●Disruption at ports
It is anticipated there could be an increase of 25pc of additional resource required at both seaports and airports to undertake the required checks for non-EU imports.
The availability of this, aligned with what has been a year on year reduced local regulatory resource in support, could lead to significant delays in transiting borders for both goods and people.
A possibility of civil unrest has been raised by local authorities on the basis that neither leave or remain voters feel their concerns are being met. ●●Disruption to fuel supplies
The government’s guidelines on oil and gas suggest that the UK has existing provisions to maintain emergency stocks.
Consumer behaviour, however, can impact significantly on this and may require a civil contingency plan.
In response to the ‘uncertainty’ surrounding the UK’s exit from the EU, the council has set up a ‘Stockport Brexit Advisory Group’.
The committee, chaired by deputy chief executive Laureen Donnan, will ‘ensure’ necessary action is taken should a no-deal be the end result.
“This is so that Stockport can plan the resilience locally against any associated risks,” stated the report.