Agenda item

To consider a briefing in respect of issues and risks arising from the exit from the European Union on 29 March 2019

Consideration was given a report which provided:-

·         a briefing about progress towards the anticipated departure of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) including potential scenarios

·         an assessment of issues and potential risks to the people and economy of Rotherham associated with the UK exit from the EU.

·         an overview of the contingency planning undertaken by the Council and its partners in response to potential risks associated with EU exit.

The report reflected that there had been much uncertainty about how the UK would leave the EU and the clarity anticipated by autumn 2018 had yet to be realised. EU exit presented a significant change which would have economic and social consequences across the UK, including Rotherham. The Council had sought to identify and address the local risks through contingency planning based on potential scenarios, notably a ‘no deal’ EU exit where the impact and risks would be greatest. It was noted that EU citizens would need to apply for settled status and the Council and partners would support this process with the Home Office.

Clarification was sought from Members in respect of how EU citizens would be informed of the need to apply online for settled status and how the Council would be assisting them. In response, officers confirmed that there was a central government information campaign which was targeted across the country, which was anticipated to inform the majority of EU citizens. Within Rotherham, a communications strategy was being developed by the Council which would complement the central government campaign.

Members sought assurances from an emergency planning perspective and the extent to which the community had been included in the planning. In response, officers confirmed that emergency planning was critical for statutory and public bodies and a tactical process had taken place to check and challenge business continuity plans. Officers were assured that the Council was doing as much as possible. Furthermore, the Assistant Chief Executive explained that had been very difficult to communicate to the community around the EU Exit process, however there were a number of voluntary sector organisations that had been working closely with EU citizens around the challenges on how they feel. Whilst this had not been comprehensive, it needed to be noted such engagement had taken place. It was clarified that there was a separation between major incident plans and business continuity, therefore town and parish councils were not part of the business continuity process.

Clarification was sought as to the number of EU citizens in the borough and whether they had self-declared. In response, officers confirmed that the numbers quoted were an estimate, as any EU citizen could come to Rotherham. However, the sources used for the calculation were the 2018 Schools Census, Allowances for Pre-School, and the 2017-18 Annual Population Survey. In response to a question concerning the number of ex-patriots who might return to Rotherham following the EU Exit, it was explained that there was no data available to suggest what those numbers would be. There was no intelligence available to suggest that there would be an influx of people returning from the EU.

Members acknowledged that there was no precedent for the process of exiting the EU and consequently the robustness of business continuity plans would be critical. It was noted that the risks associated with business continuity and Brexit had been raised by the Audit Committee during the last twelve months and Members’ view had been that there needed to be a joint agency approach to respond to the challenges presented. Concerns were also raised in respect of the Sheffield City Region and the impact of the loss of structural funding currently provided by the EU.

Assurances were sought on the impact of EU Exit on Council services and staffing arrangements. In response, officers explained that there would be changes in legislation which would impact on policy, which were principally thought to relate to environmental issues, however, the full extent would not be known until the arrangements for exiting the EU were confirmed. With regard to staffing, the authority would continue to have its role in emergency planning and civil contingencies, but this would be more of a leadership and coordinating role.

Reflecting on community tensions, Members indicated their concern around the potential for increases in hate crime and sought assurances in respect of what the Council and its partners were doing to mitigate that. In response, officers explained that there had been a lot of work put into monitoring community tensions, which had been led by South Yorkshire Police, but had been undertaken on a partnership approach. Members were advised that if they were aware of tensions, this could be fed into partners for monitoring and action as required. It was acknowledged that there needed to be broader engagement with Members and a need to share more information.

Following on, Members raised concerns about anger that they were encountering in the community generally and sought assurances around what the Could would do to ensure that Members were safe. In response, officers explained that a review of personal safety would be offered by Democratic Services through a completion of a risk assessment of ward surgeries and other community meetings that Members attend. It was noted that a training session on Personal Safety was due to take place later in March 2019 and all Members were encouraged to attend. Reference was also made to the need to review the provision of information which be considered as ‘sensitive interests’ on Members’ Register of Interests forms and the action to remove such information to protect Members’ personal safety.

Reference was made to the diversity of the workforce supporting adult social care across the borough and clarification was sought as to the work being undertaken to ensure that people’s lives would not be adversely affected if care homes struggled to retain and recruit. In response, officers confirmed that work had taken place with the health and social care sectors and contract managers were being supported. It was understood that there was not a significant proportion of the care workforce that would be affected by the EU Exit and consequently there was not expected to be a significant impact in the borough.

Assurances were sought from Members in respect of the capacity of the authority to deliver a referendum or other unplanned, borough-wide electoral event. In response, officers confirmed that Electoral Services were prepared to deliver any electoral event as required.

Resolved:-

1.    That the content of the report and potential risks associated with EU exit be noted.

2.    That the work undertaken by the Council and partners on contingency planning in response to risks associated with EU exit be noted.

3.    That risk assessments in respect of personal safety be provided for Members’ Ward Surgeries.