Agenda item

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Governance & Partnerships and the Policy Officer which was presented to provide Members with an update on the preparatory work undertaken during the EU Transition Period.

The Head of Governance and Partnerships spoke to the report which provided an update on the preparatory work undertaken during the EU Transition Period. The Officer noted that the UK had left on the 31^st January, 2020 and entered a transition period until 31^st December, 2020. The Head of Governance and Partnerships advised that there still remained a level of uncertainty on the full implications of exiting the EU would have on local authorities. The Officer Core Planning Group had continued to meet during the pandemic to facilitate EU transition preparations and regular information had been received from the Welsh Local Government Association and Welsh Government in relation to the overall national picture. The Officer added that information from the Home Office regarding the EU Settlement Scheme was also being received and the Local Authority was represented on the WLGA Brexit Coordinator network.

The Head of Governance and Partnerships continued that the core officer planning group developed an impact and risk assessment to identify and respond to the local risks and opportunities associated with leaving the EU. An action plan had been established for Blaenau Gwent which was linked to the Action Plan developed by Welsh Government.

The Officer further spoke to the report and gave a detailed overview of the key activities, expected public outcomes and forward planning as detailed in the report.

At this juncture the Chair invited questions from Members.

In response to a question raised about the financial implications, the Head of Governance and Partnerships advised that the worst case scenario was being planned for as the Authority was not sure on the deal to be received. The Officer added that the scenarios were based on known evidence and intelligence gathered. It was anticipated that the outcome of the deal would be felt in phases.

The Corporate Director Regeneration and Community Services added that the Authority was uncertain of the impact on local businesses or the financial impact, however, any implications would be in the medium term and it would be monitored. The Corporate Director noted that a key issue for the Authority was the shared prosperity fund. This would be divided via the UK Government, therefore it was important to ensure there was local democracy.

Another Member noted the importance of the overlap of projects funded via Europe which would need to be continued.

The Head of Governance and Partnerships added that all this information would be provided as it developed via reports to this Committee.

A Member asked if there were groups working within communities.

The Head of Governance and Partnerships confirmed that there were groups which worked within our communities. The Core Officer Planning Group supported individuals to engage in the settlement scheme via community groups, education settlings and also digital support via libraries.

The Policy Officer added that as at 30^th September, 2020 980 EU Nationals had applied to the Settlement Scheme. The deadline was 30^th June, 2021 and work would continue to ensure people were registered.

Another Member anticipated that the next report could provide opportunities for Blaenau Gwent and the Officer advised that part of the Core Officer Working Group was to look for opportunities and to understand where they are and any associated risks.

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report be accepted and endorse Option 2, progress made during the transition period be noted and specific comments or recommendations prior to the report being presented to the Executive for approval and update reports be received as part of its forward work programme.