Councillors prepare for No Deal Brexit

Councillor's admit not having a clue what's to happen to the county in a "No Deal Brexit"

Devon County Council will hold an internal planning event to test what may happen if there is a ‘No Deal’ Brexit.

Various scenarios will be tested in case there is disruption to fuel, food and medical supplies in the county at the event which will take place in January.

The details were revealed by leader of the council, Cllr John Hart, at the cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Cllr Martin Shaw had asked a series of questions about the potential impacts of Brexit on Devon, what preparations for a ‘No Deal’ Brexit were being made, and the emergency planning to mitigate any disruption in case the UK and the EU could not agree on a deal.

In response, Cllr Hart said it was difficult as the council ‘hasn’t got a clue’ what type of Brexit might be agreed on, but the council, was strengthening its emergency teams to be able to support Devon whenever it comes.

He added: “An internal Devon County Council Brexit Group was set up following the EU Referendum in 2016 to identify the potential risks on the organisation. In the summer of 2018, the Group started to review the risks and potential impacts on the County Council. This has proved a difficult task as little information has been made available by Government and there are number of possible Brexit permutations still making their way through Parliament.

“The County Council’s Leadership Group will be meeting on January 14 to consider what other steps can be taken in the run up to Brexit Day and what further plans and support to businesses is required.

“Devon County Council is planning an internal Brexit planning event in January to exercise scenarios on the risks of disruption to fuel, food and medical supplies in Devon in the light of a ‘No Deal’ Brexit.”