Brexit Contingency Planning: Brighton And Hove City Council's Strategic Response.pdf

Summary:

Brighton & Hove City Council established two officer groups to address potential impacts of Brexit: an initial group in 2016 and a more focused Brexit Resilience & Planning Group (BRPG) in 2018. The BRPG, led by the Chief Executive, oversees corporate oversight, strategic risk management, and weekly Situation Reports (SitReps). A cross-party Member Working Group provides political oversight.

Key Activities:

1. Corporate Oversight:
- Policy, Partnerships & Scrutiny Team coordinates Brexit efforts across the organization.
- BRPG ensures all directorates consider 'no deal' scenarios in their service planning and business continuity plans.

2. Strategic Risk Management:
- Brexit identified as a specific risk on the Council's and city's Risk Registers.
- BRPG reviews and updates strategic risks, with regular meetings until November 2019.
- Brexit is a standing item at Executive Leadership Team and individual Directorate Management Team meetings.

3. Member Working Group:
- Established in early 2019 with representatives from all political parties.
- Meets weekly to share risks, solutions, and updates, linking with emergency planning efforts through the Sussex Resilience Forum (SRF).

4. Sussex Resilience Forum (SRF):
- BHCC is a member, participating in risk assessments, conference calls, and tactical group meetings as needed.
- Collaborates with other local authorities to develop supply chains and logistics plans for 'no deal' scenarios.

5. Communications:
- External: Social media push started in 2019 to inform EU residents, visitors, and businesses; resource page on BHCC website; potential media briefings.
- Internal: Newsletters include Brexit updates; dedicated communications officer being recruited.

Current Focus:

- Strengthening internal and external communication strategies.
- Finalizing supply chains and logistics plans through the SRF.
- Ensuring all directorates are prepared for a 'no deal' scenario.