Impact Of Brexit Discussed By Highland Councillors

7th January 2021

The Highland Council met today (7 January 2021) and took the opportunity to discuss Brexit. A number of issues arising from the UK's exit from the EU were discussed and the complexity of the situation was recognised particularly since there are a number of other concurrent issues such as COVID.

Councillors expressed concerns around the overall impact on Highland businesses having to deal with the new import and export requirements as well as the additional requirements around Export Health Certificates.

The discussions followed members receiving a detailed briefing on key Brexit issues.

Cllr Jimmy Gray, Chair of the Brexit Working Group said: "Now the transition period is over there is an impact on freight and supply chains and if you add the risks of Covid-19 and winter weather into the equation you can easily see the detrimental impacts this could have with local business and our wider communities. Our priority remains to make sure our business community gets all the backing it needs."

There was cross party support for the Council to seek clarification from the Westminster Government what support can expected to assist in mitigating extra costs arising through Brexit.

Councillor Gray also took the opportunity to signpost that guidance to assist businesses with issues arising from EU Exit are available.

Further details are available by visiting:

https://www.prepareforbrexit.scot/

https://www.gov.uk/transition