Agenda item

The Leader presented to Cabinet the Brexit report, which was an update on the progress in the post Brexit / trade arrangements since 31 December 2020.

Since the last Cabinet Report, it was nine weeks since the United Kingdom officially left the European Union (EU) and the Single Market.  Under the new tariff free trade agreement businesses (importers / exporters) on both sides (UK and EU) were required to comply with the new custom arrangements.

It had already been widely reported that some businesses were struggling to meet these requirements with reports of goods failing to be delivered and/or accepted due to paperwork and overall loss of income.

Whilst it was anticipated that there would be short term disruptions, in the medium to long term, it was important that ongoing support was provided to ensure that this became less burdensome on businesses.   

The future economic resilience of Newport and South East Wales was vital to ensure that existing and new businesses could sustainably thrive.  As the Council’s administration, it was also important that we promoted the ‘Newport Offer’ to home grown entrepreneurs as well as global businesses.

Having a diverse and sustainable economy that was able to provide sustainable growth would enable Newport’s communities not just to ‘level up’ but also provided opportunities for communities to thrive in the long term for Newport’s future generations. 

The Leader added that it was important that Cabinet act as a voice for Newport and worked with its Partners (Cardiff Capital Region, Public Services Board, Western Gateway) to ensure Newport’s most disadvantaged communities and groups were able to access these opportunities to level up and enable Newport to recover from this pandemic. 

What made Newport a great City to live, work and visit was its diverse communities and groups.  Newport was and would always be a welcoming City for people from all nations no matter their race, sexuality, and religion. 

For EU citizens already living in Newport, it was important that they, family members and friends applied for EU Settled Status before 30 June 2021.

·         Newport Council and the Welsh Government had all the relevant information to help residents to apply.

·         Newport Council was working with its partners to ensure people were supported throughout the process.  

It remained a concern for Newport City Council that EU citizens were reporting issues relating to their rights, issues of hostility and access to public funds.   As representatives of Newport’s wards it was important that the Council supported its communities.

Newport Council’s communications team continued to share Welsh Government information on the new trade arrangements, business requirements and information for EU citizens.  This was being shared through Social Media, Business newsletters and the Council’s website.

In the first two months of the new arrangement, Newport Council’s services had not reported any initial issues and/or concerns in the supply of goods and services.

The Council’s finance team (including Procurement) reported some increases in the cost of procurement but overall supply operated as normal. 

As part of the Council’s financial prudence, contingencies were in place to manage Brexit / Covid impacts and as the risk stabilised in time this allocation would be re-prioritised. 

The Regulatory Services continued to offer support to businesses and Environmental Health staff completed necessary training to complete health certificate checks.

The Council’s Community Cohesion officers continued to work with EU communities and offering support for vulnerable communities.  Local groups / charities were also being offered the opportunity to access Food Poverty support that have been impacted by Brexit / Covid. 

Decision:

That Cabinet was asked to consider the contents of the report and note the Council’s Brexit response.