Local Government Brexit Bulletin (3rd July 2019)
Welcome to the Brexit Bulletin – providing an update on recent developments relevant to local authorities and any upcoming parliamentary activity.
Update from Government
- The Government remains focused on ensuring our smooth and orderly withdrawal from the EU with a deal as soon as possible. However, no deal remains the legal default at the end of the extension period on 31 October.
- The Government will continue to prepare for all Brexit scenarios.
Announcements
- Yesterday the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary of State James Brokenshire spoke at the LGA Annual conference. The full text is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/a-new-contract-with-local-government
- The Cabinet office laid a Written Ministerial Statement on EU Exit preparedness on 26 June, outlining activity since the article 50 extension. Further details can be found here:
https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2019-06-26/HCWS1661/ - The EU Commission also published their fifth announcement on no-deal preparations:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/eu-commission-publishes-new-announcement-on-no-deal-preparations - A communique summarising the 19 June Local Government Brexit Delivery Board is now available: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/eu-exit-local-government-delivery-board-june-2019-update
Update on the Export Health Certificate digital service
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are introducing a new digital service to process Export Health Certificates (EHCs) for exports of animals or animal products to countries outside the European Union (EU) over the summer.
Please share the following key messages with your Environmental Health Teams:
- The new service, hosted online, will make it easier to manage certification requests by providing additional information helping you track requests. It will also remove the need to print and scan forms in many cases.
- The digital service will also simplify and speed-up the EHC application process for exporters. Additional functionality will include an online dashboard showing the progress of applications.
- No immediate action is required: more information and guidance, including details of the date when the new service will be introduced, will be shared in due course.
For queries or support please contact APHA at exports@apha.gov.uk.
We would welcome any feedback you may have on this bulletin. To get in touch with your comments or suggestions please contact lgengagement@communities.gov.uk.
A consolidated list of guidance is also available:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-government-brexit-preparedness