£9m government funding to make UK ports ‘Brexit-ready’

The government has announced it is making £9m available in a bid to ensure local areas and major ports are ready for Brexit.

Local Government Secretary, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, announced that £5m will be given to councils which have or are near to major air, land or sea ports to support their operation after the UK leaves the EU on October 31.

A further £4m will be given to local resilience forums (LRFs), partnerships made up of representatives from local public services across England, to support them in their Brexit preparations.

The £9m will be used primarily for additional staffing costs and specialist expertise at key ports and surrounding areas rather than infrastructure - the funding for which would come from the Department for Transport if required.

Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP commented: “From keeping our supply chains running and ensuring goods continue to flow into the country, to putting robust plans in place for every community, local government is playing a vital role in preparing the country to be fully ready to leave the EU on 31 October.

“We have stepped up our preparedness significantly in recent weeks, including by asking every council to appoint a Brexit Lead Officer.

“Now we are releasing an additional £9m of additional funding today to help local areas get ready for Brexit, whatever the circumstances.”