Introduction
On 23 June 2016 the UK voted to leave the European Union in a referendum
The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020 with a withdrawal agreement in place.
The EU and the UK will start to negotiate new arrangements during 2020, so until the new arrangements are in place very little has changed. We are now in a transition period to prepare for new rules with a deadline of 31 December 2020.
We have been sharing information with our local communities to ensure the businesses and people who are impacted by leaving Europe understand what they need to do.
If you are an EU national it is advisable to apply for Settled Status as early as possible.
Information about the UK’s transition is available at www.gov.uk/transition
Our EU Transition team
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) contacted local authorities on 6 August 2019 asking them to designate a Brexit Lead Officer and set up a team, which is equipped to support the delivery of Brexit, ready for the period around 31 January 2020.
For the time-being our Brexit Team has been stood down, because we left the EU with a withdrawal agreement in place on 31 January 2020. Going Forward we will be known as the EU Transition Team.
We are however continuing to monitor any impacts on local businesses and the community and promote EU Settled Status to EU nationals living in Somerset.
You can email with any EU Transition related enquiries to BrexitTeam@somerset.gov.uk
Settled and Pre-Settled Status
EU Settlement Scheme
Most EU citizens living in the UK (as well as those from the EEA and Switzerland) need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to gain Settled Status so they can continue to live and work in the UK after 30 June 2021. The pandemic is having an impact on application times to the EU Settlement Scheme, so it’s vital that people apply as soon as possible.
You can apply for settled status at https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
We are working in partnership with local charity Diversity Voice, and the Home Office to provide help from regulated advisors for those who need. We are also able to provide support to employers and community and other organisations. If you need help, support and advice on EU Settled Status please contact euss@diversityvoice.org.uk, 0300 075 0105.
Useful links
- You can find official up to date information on Parliament’s Brexit website
- Department for Exiting the European Union is responsible for overseeing negotiations to leave the EU
- Prepare for the EU Exit is the official GOV.UK website offering advice for businesses and citizens
- Advice from GOV.UK in the event of a no-deal exit. This also includes a “Check what you need to do” checker, which will help you find out what you or your business will need to do to get ready for Brexit
- The Local Government Association (LGA) maintains an informative Brexit advice hub for local authorities
- The House of Commons Library publishes impartial research and analysis, including on Brexit
- The Heart of the South West Growth Hub has a collection of resources to support businesses
- The Somerset Chamber of Commerce has a Business Brexit priorities section
- The National Foundation of Self Employed & Small Businesses Ltd (FSB) has a Small Business Brexit Pack
Contact the team
Email the EU Transition Team – BrexitTeam@somerset.gov.uk