Agenda item

The Leader presented the report, the purpose of which was to provide an update to Cabinet on the Brexit preparations that have been undertaken to date.

The Leader recapped on the issues following the referendum in 2016:

·         Following the results of the referendum in 2016, the UK Government officially notified the EU that it was leaving and triggered Article 50.  An initial deadline date of 29^th March 2019 was set for the UK to leave the EU.

·         In preparation of that date, all public sector bodies made preparations based upon whether there would be a transition period or a ‘No Deal’ scenario. 

·         As a result of the UK Parliament being unable to pass through the Withdrawal Agreement the deadline had been delayed until 31^st October 2019. 

·         As a Dock City, Newport has a long history and important links with the EU.  Newport Docks sees many ships from the EU exporting and importing goods whilst many businesses in and around Newport are EU based (such as Airbus) or have significant trading links with EU countries.

·         Newport also has over 3,000 people from the EU who have settled in Newport, living, working and socialising in Newport and South Wales.

The Leader confirmed the Council had to date:

·         In preparation of the initial deadline (29^th March 2019), Newport City Council established a Task & Finish Group consisting of representatives from each service area and led by the Strategic Director for Place.

·         Using the Welsh Local Government Association Toolkit the Task & Finish Group undertook a review of its activities, focusing on the following areas:

o   Your organisation (Priorities / People / Finance)

o   Supplies and Services (Services, suppliers and supply chain / core operations / legislation and regulation)

o   Your Place (Local Community)

·         Through that work the following areas were identified and measures put in place to monitor and report ongoing activities:

o   Raised awareness to Council Members in March 2019 on the work that the Council has been undertaking and raising awareness of Brexit risks and issues to Newport.

o   A Brexit Risk is recorded in the Council’s Corporate Risk Register that is monitored every 3 months.

o   Undertaken a workforce analysis where there are under 100 members of staff directly employed by Newport City Council from the EU.  To support these members of staff they have been provided with advice, guidance and directed staff to the Welsh Government and Home Office websites.

o   Newport City Council receives approximately £500k from the EU to support activities such as Inspire to Achieve.  Guarantees have been promised by the Welsh Government to continue to support these programmes during this period of time.

o   The Council has been collaborating with the Welsh Government, Welsh Local Government Association, Gwent Local Resilience Forum, Health Bodies and close partners that provide services on the Council’s behalf to ensure arrangements are in place to continue ‘business as usual’ activities before and after Brexit.

o   Received funding from Welsh Government to employ two Community Cohesion Officers in Newport and Monmouthshire.  These officers are engaging with local community groups providing advice and guidance.

o   Set up a page on the Newport City Council Website providing guidance to residents and businesses with links to the Welsh Government and Home Office pages.      

·         Newport City Council is continuing to monitor the situation closely and is receiving regular updates from the Welsh Government, Welsh Local Government Association, Health Service and the Council’s partner organisations.

The Leader thanked officers for managing the extra work this issue has generated.

Decision:

Cabinet agreed the report.