Councillors in Ceredigion have been told they need to encourage EU nationals in their areas to apply for settled status as the authority prepares for Brexit.

There are around 2,000 residents in Ceredigion from other European countries and as the Brexit deadline approaches people need to apply for settled status.

Ceredigion County Council’s scrutiny co-ordinating committee were updated on the authority’s progress in preparing for exit from the EU including what it may mean for residents, farmers, schools and the council itself.

Presenting the report today, officer Alun Williams said that the 31 January deadline for leaving was “mostly symbolic” and work would continue to negotiate a suitable deal for leaving by December, if this deadline is not met the UK will leave without a deal.

A significant concern to Ceredigion is whether it will have its £57 million of EU funding replaced by the Government’s ‘shared prosperity fund’, which will have see the equivalent funding put in but how it was to be distributed was not yet clear, said Mr Williams.

There was also a commitment for £3 billion over the next two years for UK farmers.

The preparations and risk assessment have been done on a no-deal basis the committee heard and although a deal is now more likely some of the issues remained relevant.

Cllr Mark Strong said he had spoken to many people in Aberystwyth – older EU residents – who have been in the country for 40 years who now faced difficulties over residency.

“They find that their status now is more uncertain than the time we joined the EU in the ’70s,” said Cllr Strong, highlighting the need to ensure vulnerable people needed support to apply.

The committee heard that there were ‘hard to reach’ people and the council would work to ensure they were helped, there would also be support for looked after children and those in care homes.

“There will be people who miss the net, the risk is there and the impact is considerable for certain individuals,” said Mr Williams.

The council’s website, a social media campaign and leaflet distribution will get the message out he added, but councillors were best placed to identify people who need to apply in their communities.

The council also has a verification centre which assists people with what documentation is required, with many not realising they must have a passport before applying for settled status.

If you wish to book an appointment to use the EU Settlement Service, call 01970 633580.