Issue - meetings

Warwickshire County Council Brexit Preparation

Meeting: 15/10/2019 - County Council (Item 2)

2 Warwickshire County Council Brexit Preparation pdf icon PDF 342 KB

Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Councillor Izzi Seccombe Council is requested to consider the latest position regarding Brexit and its anticipated impact on the County Council.

Decision:

Resolved:

That the Warwickshire Youth Justice Service Strategic Plan 2019/20 be adopted by Warwickshire County Council 2018-19.

Minutes:

Councillor Izzi Seccombe (Leader of Council) moved the report and recommendations. She was seconded by Councillor Peter Butlin (Deputy Leader – Finance and Property) who reserved the right to speak.

 

 Councillor Helen Adkins (Deputy Leader – Labour Group) highlighted the possible impact of Brexit on social care and homelessness asking what actions were proposed to mitigate against these.

 

 Councillor Bill Olner welcomed the work being carried out to assess the potential impact of Brexit. Regarding social care and the need to protect the vulnerable he stated that it will be of great importance to ensure these people are kept fed. In addition, Councillor Olner observed that Brexit could have a significant impact on social care staffing as this area of employment relies heavily on those from the rest of Europe.

 

 Councillor Jerry Roodhouse (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) reminded Council that it had previously discussed the potential impact of Brexit on small businesses. He reported that mixed messages concerning potential shortages of certain products have been circulated with people being particularly concerned over that possibility of shortages of medicines. It was reported that Rugby Borough Council is examining “settled status” and how it will impact on people in that area.

 

 Councillor Richard Chattaway (Leader of the Labour Group) stated that some reports have suggested that 30000 people in Warwickshire could be directly affected by Brexit. He cited a school where the majority of the foreign language teachers are from mainland Europe. In addition, a significant number of County Council support staff are from outside the UK.

 Councillor Chattaway called for contingency arrangements to be made known adding that in his area reports of hate crime had increased. The threat of Brexit related scams was highlighted. Trading Standards will have a key role in tackling these. Finally, it should be recognised that many “ex-pats” will seek to return to the UK. A significant number of these will be elderly, having medical conditions requiring attention.

 

 Councillor Dave Parsons supported the comments made by Councillor Jerry Roodhouse adding his concern that consideration could be given to a points-based immigration system.

 

 Councillor Keith Kondakor welcomed the report but expressed a sense of not knowing what is happening. Warwickshire relies heavily on the motor and agriculture industries. A downturn in these could see a significant reduction in jobs. Reductions in the restaurant and building trades could lead to the failure of major contracts.

 

 Councillor Sarah Boad (Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) noted that Coventry Airport at Baginton is classified as a port. She asked that information be provided on what actions are proposed for it. That a by election is scheduled for Warwick District was noted. Constituents are angry at the lack of progress and there is a risk that someone will be injured as a result. Councillor Peter Gilbert called on politicians to support the democratic process.

 

 Councillor Maggie O’Rourke echoed concerns over the future of social care provisions adding that she was proud to be at a meeting that was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2