Council prepares for Brexit

With the UK due to leave the European Union on March 29, preparations are underway at Bridgend County Borough Council to ensure a minimum of disruption.

Under the leadership of Chief Executive Mark Shephard, a project team has been formed and a ‘risk tracker’ developed to help the authority prepare for a wide range of potential outcomes.

Covering areas such as legal issues, the workforce, supply chains, finance and funding, emergency planning, social care, education, the economy and community cohesion, the risk tracker includes topics ranging from possible setbacks and delays in council supply chains to increased public dependence upon critical council services.

A public webpage has been launched to offer support and guidance to residents, businesses, voluntary groups and local organisations. Featuring links to Welsh Government’s ‘Preparing Wales’ website, this is being regularly updated as new information becomes available.

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union means that it is difficult to plan ahead with any sense of certainty, but we are doing all that we can to prepare for a range of scenarios, including a no-deal exit.

We have been working with our suppliers to ensure that adequate supplies are in place, and are working alongside partner organisations to share information and resources.

Nobody knows at this stage all the challenges that Brexit will bring. So far, we have focused on short and medium-term issues, but as more details emerge, we will also take longer term implications into account.

Council Leader Huw David