15,000 European nationals have yet to apply for Pre-Settled or Settled status in SW
ITV, 9pm
CITIZENS Advice Devon and Cornwall focuses on issues and answers some of the most commonly asked questions their offices are being contacted about:
CITIZENS Advice Devon and Cornwall today issues an urgent warning to those European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who live, work and study in our region. Free movement came to an end on December 31 2020. Millions of EU and EEA nationals, who were relying on free movement, will have to apply for an immigration status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
There are still thousands of people living in Devon and Cornwall who will have to apply for their status through EU Settlement Scheme and need advice on their applications. The deadline for applications (30 June 2021) is approaching and approximately 15,000 EU and EEA nationals across Devon and Cornwall are yet to apply for Pre-Settled or Settled Status. Those who miss the deadline might struggle to exercise their rights, eg. to work, rent, claim social security benefits, access health services, etc.
We are concerned that many EU and EEA nationals are unaware of the scheme and deadline for applications or might struggle with the application process. The Coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated issues with accessing travel documents, completing paper forms due to difficulties with the telephone line, getting additional evidence, and lack of face-to-face advice.
Many EU nationals might face further issues after 30 June 2021 as waiting times for application decisions vary from case to case and a backlog of pending applications is growing.
The campaign group, the3million people stated that in March 2020, there were over 32,000 who were waiting for more than 6 months for a decision on their application.
This might leave people who submit their application shortly before deadline on 30 June 2021 without a right to certain services, such as homelessness applications and Universal Credit. Also, additional evidential checks might be required to access them. Those who apply after the deadline will have no rights (eg. right to work, right to rent, right to claim benefits, etc.) until the final decision is made on their application.
We urge EU and EEA nationals to make their applications as soon as possible to ensure they can stay in the UK after 30 June 2021.
If you have lived in the UK before 31 December, you can make an application to the scheme. You will receive pre-settled status if you have lived in the UK for less than 5 years. Settled status is issued to those with 5+ years of residency in the UK. If you need free, independent, and confidential advice on EU Settlement Scheme application or your status decision we are here to help. Contact us on 03444 111 444.
Citizens Advice Cornwall has a dedicated team to helping people with their applications. The service can be accessed on 03333 440061 or via text ADVICE EUSS to 78866.
The information in these articles does not constitute advice. Citizens Advice Devon, Citizens Advice Cornwall and The Western Morning News accept no liability for the information published. Citizens Advice Devon cannot respond to individual requests for advice through these columns. Copyright Citizens Advice. For most up-to-date information, visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk
THERE’S always a moment during one of Piers Morgan’s high profile interviews where the celebrity gets emotional.
As his series returns, first in the hot seat is queen of reality telly, Gemma Collins, aka The GC.
Expect to see a tearjerking interview as she breaks down over cruel death threats she received from trolls and discusses her weight struggles.
The 40-year-old, known for her unforgettable appearances on TOWIE, I’m A Celebrity, Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing On Ice, talks about the “downside to fame”, but says: “I’m a lot more comfortable now in my own skin”.
It’s been a tough year for the star, who has had an on-off relationship with boyfriend James Argent and whose parents have battled Covid.
Piers will no doubt tackle every subject, but Gemma has revealed the interview was “a very healing process”.
Talking about the chat with Piers, she wrote on Instagram: “The highs and lows of the GC rollercoaster! Guys this was a pinch myself moment!”