Responding to the Government’s announcement that EU imports and
exports will face the same checks as the rest of the world after
the transition period ends, Cllr Kevin Bentley, Chairman of the
LGA’s Brexit Taskforce, said:
“As port health authorities some councils are legally responsible
for undertaking checks of certain imports, including live
animals, as they enter the country.
“Currently, products arriving from Europe do not receive the same
checks as imports from the rest of the world. Introducing
equivalent checks for imports arriving from Europe will have a
significant impact on the number of checks required and on the
way these services operate.
“The Government should urgently consult with councils on the
likely impact on transport infrastructure. The sooner councils
receive clarity surrounding how these border controls will apply,
the better they will be able to plan for them. In order to
support councils carry out a greater number of checks on goods
arriving and to prevent disruption at ports, councils will also
need additional resources and capacity, particularly
environmental health officers and veterinary staff.
“We are committed to working with the Government to ensure new
responsibilities are met with the appropriate levels of funding
and staffing, and will continue to work with councils to identify
issues which need to be addressed at national level.”
