Concerns about the supply of food to schools and care homes after Brexit has been highlighted by Ceredigion County Council’s leader.

At last week’s full council meeting Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn said she was waiting for a full report on what the implications of the UK leaving the European Union are for the county.

“This is on the risk register. It could affect those that work for us, it could affect the food supplies to our schools and homes and also could have an effect on our regulatory work if the legislation is not in place to take over from European legislation,” said Cllr ap Gwynn.

Food standards, coastal issues and exporting meat could all be impacted, she said.

Chief executive Eifion Evans said that senior officers are working behind the scenes to prepare for Brexit and a worst case scenario ‘no deal’.

Discussions have been held with food providers to ensure there was food for schools and care homes.

“We have been given assurances from our providers that they have  a variety of menus to fulfil the needs and in case of a no deal there will be enough food,” he said.

Cllr Mark Strong asked for assurance that it be of the same quality and Mr Evans said the change would be to more local produce, not food from abroad.

Mr Evans added that there were concerns about legislation not being processed through Westminster and that would impact officers as well as the agricultural and fishing industry.

However, there was a £50m transition fund available through the Welsh Government for local authorities to get support or employ more staff when required, he said.

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition tomorrow