Enfield's EU citizens urged to apply for Settled Status

The estimated 21,000 European Union citizens living in the borough have been written to by the Leader of Enfield Council thanking them for the contribution they make to the borough and urging them to stay after Brexit.

In her letter, Cllr Nesil Caliskan says the Council is proud so many people from EU countries have made their home in Enfield and urges them to register for the EU settlement Scheme so they can stay in the UK after Brexit.

She said: "As the government plans for Brexit have been evolving over the previous weeks and months, we know that for many people, in particular EU nationals, this may have been an unsettling and worrying time. As political Leaders of Enfield Council, we have felt as frustrated as you.

"Enfield Council has been working with external partners, including the Police and the NHS, in a multi-agency approach to prepare for Brexit. Each Council department has worked to understand the potential challenges we may face delivering future services in the borough and how we may need to respond to community concerns."

Cllr Caliskan added: "We have made representations to central government, through the representative organisation London Councils, of our concerns about the harmful impact a 'No Deal' Brexit could have on the country, including to vital services delivered by local councils, such as adult social care."

The Home Office has said that EU citizens have until 31 December 2020 to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to protect their status but the issues raised by potential restrictions on freedom of movement means Enfield Council is advising they register by 31 October 2019.

The Council has commissioned Citizens Advice Enfield to help provide a free, multi-lingual service to local people and give qualified advice on the EU Settlement Scheme.

These advice sessions are being held at Edmonton Green Library on Tuesdays, Enfield Town Library on Wednesdays and Palmers Green Library on Fridays. You don't need an appointment to see them and all sessions are confidential. Council officers will also be on hand to provide supporting services.

Additionally, the Council has created a dedicated Brexit webpage resource for local people to use, this guidance contains links to the GLA's resources hub and to the government's website which contains advice on the EU Settlement Scheme in 26 languages.

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