The Enfield Brexit panel, chaired by the Deputy Leader of the Council and consisting of representatives across the local authority and partner organisations, is seeking to increase communications of the need for EU citizens to apply for settled or pre-settled status by December 2020, in light of the increasing likelihood of the UK leaving the EU with ‘no deal’.

The panel which includes senior Council Officers and representatives from Citizens Advice, the MET police and Enterprise Enfield met this week to discuss contingency plans put in place to ensure the continued deliverance of effective services and business continuity during Brexit.

Support has also been put in place to help local people who are likely to be impacted by Brexit get the help and advice they need to prepare for the UK leaving the EU.  This includes drop-in sessions run by Citizens Advice Enfield to explain the EU settlement scheme and supporting services available at our hub libraries.

Cllr Ian Barnes, Deputy Leader at Enfield Council, said: “Enfield Council embraces and supports our diverse and dynamic communities including all residents from other European countries.  We are working closely with Citizens Advice Enfield to ensure these citizens get the support they need to apply for settled status well in advance of any potential 31 December 2020 deadline in the case of a “no deal” Brexit.

“To raise awareness of this support – and the need for affected EU citizens to apply for settled status – I have asked for an increase in communications sign-posting Enfield’s residents and businesses to the latest advice and support, and particularly for those communities likely to be most affected by Brexit.”

Jill Harrison, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Enfield, said: “I would encourage any EU resident who hasn’t yet applied for the EU Settlement scheme to come to one of our drop-in sessions for the latest guidance and advice.  There’s no need to make an appointment – see our website for details”

If you would like to speak to Citizens Advice about the EU settlement scheme, you can meet them at Enfield Town Library on Wednesdays and Palmers Green Library on Fridays. You don’t need an appointment to see them and all sessions are confidential.

Around 26,000 Enfield residents are from other European Union countries.  Enfield Council is committed to continuing to deliver excellent services to everyone in the borough, whatever the outcome of Brexit negotiations.  Visit www.enfield.gov.uk/brexit for the latest updates, guidance and advice. You can also sign up to Enfield Council’s newsletters, bringing the news you need directly to your inbox. Sign up at www.enfield.gov.uk/enewsletters .