Agenda item

The Committee received a presentation from the Head of Service, Strategy and Performance Unit providing detail on the current Brexit position covering the following areas:

·       Background to Brexit;

·       Key Documents and dates;

·       A “No Deal” Brexit implications;

·       Impact of Brexit on the borough and its economy:

-        What to Watch;

-        Challenges and Opportunities;

-        Wider Issues regional, national and individual;

-        Project Deliverability;

·       Treasury Management risks;

·       Migration;  and

·       Influence – Government Policy through both established and new channels.

The Chief Executive Officer from Doncaster Chamber outlined that the Chamber was a small business organisation that represented the private sector in the Borough equating to approximately 60,000 people.  He explained that there were three business thought categories across the sector, those that were preparing and mitigating, those watching and others that were doing neither but continuing to operate.  However, what unified the business sector was the desire for proper answers from the Government, many issues of which had been covered by the Public Statement made at the beginning of the meeting. 

He continued to explain that practical guidance and check lists were being provided regularly to the Borough’s businesses and asked Members to remember that there were also 53 other Chambers across the Country also looking into the practicalities of a “Deal” or “No Deal” Brexit position.

The Committee recognised that 40 years of legislation was being addressed and there was uncertainty about the future but importantly, although many issues were unclear, what opportunities were available for the Council and Borough were being investigated.

The following issues were addressed by the Committee and other Members in attendance at the meeting:

Legal changes for trading – some businesses recognised the importance and were developing sophisticated plans but the micro businesses tended to be taking more of a reactionary position.  Support had been available for Doncaster’s businesses for some time to ensure they were prepared, particularly with a long term international trade programme.  Members were pleased to note that the region had a growth hub where businesses provided joint support..

Trading outside the EU – Members were informed that there was an established Trade Carousel for experts on certain markets, including outside the EU, to promote overseas and international trade with joined up business support.  It was noted that Doncaster Chamber would hopefully be attending a Trade Exhibition in China in 2019 with a number of local businesses.  This visit would help build relationships both for trade and other areas, for example linking to skills and education.

It was noted that a Restructure of the Investment Team was being undertaken to maximise the Council’s growth platforms and continue building momentum for international trade.

Yorkshire Wide Deal – A Member stressed, in their opinion, that if Doncaster was part of a Yorkshire Deal it would have more potential to sell and deliver using the Yorkshire brand but questioned what impact Brexit would have on this proposal.  In response it was stressed that Yorkshire already held an established international brand, attractive to investors, in turn hoping that this would bring inward investment and tourism to Doncaster.

Rail Link – It was acknowledged that the rail link to Doncaster Sheffield Airport was essential and noted that this issue was due to be considered at a future meeting of the Regeneration and Housing Scrutiny Panel.

Staffing in Education and other employment – It was noted that this issue was causing concern across the UK and there was a nervousness within businesses.  For example, education and health professions would require certain skill sets for immigration applications.  However, some businesses were concerned with the softer skills including strong work ethics and turning up in time.  The Retail industry was concerned there could be a large challenge finding employees in some areas.

It was stressed that as a Borough we were all responsible for ensuring young people were employment ready holding the right skills and ensuring they were aware of all options available to them.

Agencies for international recruitment – Officers offered to provide a response following the meeting relating to concern expressed with regard to foreign vulnerable people not being supported, being left confused and lost in the state system by bogus agents.  It was questioned whether a formal recruitment agency could be set up for South Yorkshire?  It was stressed however that there were many good ethical recruiters across the country and from a Doncaster Partnership perspective, care and compassion was paramount.

Salaries – it was noted that 40 years ago over 50% of people worked in manufacturing but it was near 8% therefore, young people required the right skills to meet a new aspirational growth plan ensuring there were jobs of all descriptions with fairly paid wages.

Business relocation risks – Members noted that there were always risks that businesses could relocate elsewhere either nationally or internationally and there were discussions ongoing daily with the private sector.

Community cohesion – Concern was expressed that during the referendum there had been clear spikes of community tension but it was outlined that the Local Authority and partners had been working very with communities, with any signs of tensions being monitored. 

Food shortages - In response to possible food shortages, it was noted that the Emergency Planning Team was mindful of this and the position was being monitored with clear plans in place.

New channels to influence policy – There are a number of informal groups at multiple levels reviewing the impacts of Brexit; in particular the industrial communities alliance had commenced a programme of lobbying to ensure towns such as Doncaster would be given a fair contribution of external resources post EU funds, officers stressed information sharing being key at this moment in time.  Members were reminded that the Council’s Chief Executive had a seat on the Yorkshire and Humber Leaders table to support the region and Doncaster at all levels, in terms of Brexit responsibilities.

Residency administration for Non British residents – in response to concern relating to whether support would be provided to assist people completing residency forms, it was recognised that the Local Authority would support and assist people who were in their care but there was not a clear resource identified for anyone else at present.  With regard to the cost associated with the completion of the form it was understood there would be a nominal fee of between £5 or £10, expected to be waived for people in Council care.

It was stressed that guidance was being provided to companies to help support their staff and it was also part of a suite of information that the Chamber was providing support to local businesses.

Shortage of medicines – concern was expressed with regard to the import of medication.  A recent example relating to the shortage of Epipens was causing worry for people with allergies.  It was explained that Government had given strong guidance on not stock piling medicines, that the position was being monitored and information would be provided by Public Health England to communities when available.

Non British citizens currently in prison – Bearing in mind the prison population in the Doncaster area, with regard to whether they would be returned to their country, it was acknowledged that there was no clear steer to date but should be covered by one of the Government’s technical notices.  This issue would be included in the Local Authority’s risk assessment and watching brief.

Non British children in local authority care – A Member expressed concern that some young people would be in care at the Brexit end date and was assumed each case would be assessed on an individual basis locally but again this was an issue that would be in the Local Authority’s watching brief.

RESOLVED:  That officers be thanked for the information presented and a further update be provided at a future meeting in the New Year.