Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson has welcomed a £200,000 boost in local funding to help them prepare for Brexit.
This follows an announcement on Monday 28 January that local authorities across England will receive a total of £56.5 million to help support their preparations for Brexit.
The funding will help councils to adapt to the changes caused by Brexit, ensuring their local authority is prepared ahead of 29 March, whilst also protecting vital local services. It will be up to local councils to decide how to allocate their funding, with money anticipated to go towards recruiting extra staff to ensure councils have the capacity to provide timely and accurate information to residents who have questions on how Brexit will affect them.
Of the £200,000 allocated to cover Pendle, Lancashire County Council will receive £175,000 and as a district council, Pendle Borough Council will receive £35,000.
Additional funding is available for local authorities facing immediate impacts from local ports and the government has indicated that additional funding would be considered for any potential new requirements councils have as part of work they are undertaking to prepare for Brexit.
Mr Stephenson said, “It is only a matter of weeks until we finally leave the EU and it is right that preparations are stepped up. I welcome this extra help to allow our local councils to be ready for Brexit.”
Communities Secretary, James Brokenshire MP said, “Local authorities have a critical role to play in making a success of Brexit in their areas.
“I’m determined to ensure councils have the resources they need, which is why I’m releasing £56.5 million of extra finance to help them to deliver essential services and keep residents well-informed.
“I will continue to work closely with local leaders to ensure they are prepared to respond to any Brexit scenario.”
