Date: 20/09/2018   |   Category - Europe, News

The WLGA Brexit Transition Support Programme is being launched this week, with the first in a series of events being hosted as part of the WLGA’s support offer to councils in their continuing preparations for the UK’s impending exit from the EU.

The first event – hosted jointly by WLGA with the Home Office and WCVA –was held today, and provided local authorities with an opportunity to learn more about their role in communicating the Home Office’s Settlement Scheme, through which citizens and their families will be able to apply for settled status in the UK.

Other events being held by WLGA in the next few months will focus on the implications of and preparations for Brexit in areas including the environment, public protection and rural affairs.

The WLGA’s offer of support has been made available thanks to £150,000 funding from the Welsh Government’s EU Transition Support Programme. In addition to hosting a series of information events, the funding will also be used to produce resources and commission research on issues where Brexit will have a major impact for local government.

Local authorities implement over 60% of EU legislation. Councils across Wales are assessing possible impacts of Brexit in their own local areas, and are preparing with support from WLGA.

Councillor Rob Stewart (Swansea), WLGA Spokesperson for Europe said:

“The only certainty we have at the moment is that things will be different after we leave the European Union. A no deal Brexit is likely to have a very significant negative impact on a huge range of council services which will hit citizens. We need to do all we can to prepare as best we can for the possibility of a no deal scenario, until a deal and details of a new arrangement is agreed.”

“With no likely post-Brexit scenario yet in sight, it is vital that local authorities in Wales get together to discuss and prepare for all eventualities. I am looking forward to meeting with colleagues to discuss ideas of how local authorities can adapt to the mammoth changes ahead.”

To find out more about WLGA’s work, please visit www.wlga.wales/brexit.

-ENDS-