A new report has outlined how Fife is readying itself for the impact of Brexit.
Concerns have been raised over the effect the process might have on the economy and jobs in Fife, with issues surrounding housing and construction, European funding, public procurement and environmental regulations among those highlighted.
A report to Fife Council’s executive committee confirms action has been taken to ensure the Kingdom is as prepared as it can be.
Paul Vaughan, head of community provision, said there are distinct roles the council and its community planning partners can play through the Brexit process, particularly in relation to helping affected businesses and engaging with EU nationals living and working in Fife.
“The Brexit agenda is a complex one with significant activity underway at all levels of government and locally,” he explained.
“The pace of this activity is likely to increase as negotiations begin and as further legislation is proposed. The breadth of activity is wide, although much will naturally focus on trade and competitiveness.”
Mr Vaughan said that the council will have a significant role in responding to likely consultations arising from the Brexit negotiations, while community planning partners will also be able to provide robust evidence about the difference European funding is making to the Fife economy.
While much of the activity so far has been based on the current and possible future economic consequences of Brexit, Mr Vaughan noted there will be a wider societal impact.
“The council in particular has a community leadership role to help chart a smooth path through the Brexit negotiations,” he continued.
“This could include ongoing promotion of rights, European cultural activities, education, and utilising our strong relationships with European partners through engaging on Fife’s position with European twin towns and also utilising our memberships of the North Sea Commission and Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions to promote Fife’s views and positions relating to Brexit.”
A Fife Brexit Business Advisory Group has also been set up and has reinforced the need for the newly developed Fife Economic Strategy 2017 to 2027 to prioritise making Fife the best place to do business during, and after, the Brexit process.
Noting it was chaired by council leader David Ross, SNP group leader Neale Hanvey said he felt the group should have wider political representation on it – given that Brexit was “the most significant political decision that has faced the UK and Scotland” in his lifetime.
Mr Ross concurred, and concluded: “There is a lot of work going on and some of it is under the radar at the moment because of the very uncertain position we’re in.”
