Are you ready for the end of the Transition Period with the EU?

EU transition statement

Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: Throughout the process we have followed government guidance and undertaken an assessment of our readiness. This was discussed at a recent cabinet meeting and the paper can be found at https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=141&MId=13087

We are confident that we are prepared as a council to deal with any impacts the new rules may have.

We will do what we can to help businesses, including farmers, to adjust to new arrangements in 2021 and we will continue to work with our partners in the Local Resilience Forum to address any issues that may arise.

There is plenty of advice and guidance on https://www.gov.uk/transition and support to local businesses is also available from the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

As of September 2020, Government  have had 12,700 applications to the EU Settlement Scheme. We are pleased with the high uptake, but would encourage anyone who is an EU citizen that is yet to apply to do so well before the deadline of June 2021.

EU Exit: Preparing for the end of the Transition Period

The UK has left the EU, and the transition period comes to an end this year. Please check the new rules from January 2021 to ensure that you and your organisation are ready. 

Wiltshire Council has been planning to minimise the impact of any disruption to our residents and businesses; and has been sharing any advice, guidance and information that is available. Our planning has involved working with partners to ensure we can keep Wiltshire safe and moving; and prevent and minimise any impact of disruption on our local communities and environment. 

We are following government advice around planning and are continuing to work with them and partners, including through the Wiltshire Local Resilience Forum, to ensure the county is prepared. 

Businesses and individuals should also consider what action they should take. 

Actions you can take now

1. If your organisation employs EU staff
   • Ask your employees to check if they need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. EU, EEA or Swiss citizens can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021. The deadline for applying is 30 June 2021.
   • Read the guidance on applying to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status).
2. If your organisation receives EU funding
   • Under the Withdrawal Agreement, the UK will continue to participate in programmes funded under the current 2014-2020 Multi-annual Financial Framework until their closure.
   • Read the guidance on Getting EU funding.
3. If your organisation receives any personal data from the EU
   • If the UK does not receive data adequacy decisions and your organisation receives personal data from the EU/EEA, you should review your contracts to ensure you can continue to do so legally after the transition period ends. You may not know if your data is hosted outside of the UK so it is worth checking.
   • Read the guidance on using personal data in your business or other organisation after the transition period.
4. If your organisation imports or exports goods with the EU
   • From 1 January 2021 the process for importing and exporting goods will change. Find out what you need to do to continue to:
     • import goods from the EU
     • export goods to the EU.

For a more comprehensive overview visit the UK Transition page for guidance and updates.