Decision details

Preparations for Brexit

Decision Maker: Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Decisions:

The Executive considered a report outlining the preparations being undertaken in anticipation of the UK’s departure from the European Union on 31 October 2019.  The principal risks were noted, along with measures being taken by the Council to addresses those risks.

 

Contingencies for the Meals at Home service were discussed. Consideration was being given to the ordering of additional meals stocks in case of supply issues post departure. Members were advised that storage constraints were a concern, although this could be addressed by bringing forward the purchase of new freezer storage. It was also suggested that the recently vacated Deepcut Garrison might be able to assist with catering storage.

 

The Executive was informed that the Government had given each district council £52,452, in three instalments, to deal with the impact of Brexit. £34,968 had been received in the current year and £17,484 in 2018/19.

 

Members recognised that one of the possible impacts of Brexit could be an increase in food prices, which was likely to put pressure on the more vulnerable members of the community. It was therefore suggested that some of the funding be given to those groups that were best able to support those persons. It was proposed that initially £17,000 from the initial funding be provided immediately and divided between Citizens Advice Surrey Heath, Hope Hub, and Besom.

 

RESOLVED that

 

(i)        preparations that have been made to date be noted;

 

(ii)      £17,000 of the initial Government Grant be provided to Citizens Advice Surrey Heath, Hope Hub and Besom; and

 

(iii)     authority to use the “Brexit grant” be delegated to the Executive Head of Community in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment & Health in order to enable the Council to prepare for Brexit and assist local organisations with the potential impact on residents.

 

 

Report author: Kelvin Menon

Publication date: 29/10/2019

Date of decision: 15/10/2019

Decided at meeting: 15/10/2019 - Executive

Effective from: 24/10/2019

Accompanying Documents: