On 23 June 2016 the United Kingdom chose to leave the European Union.
52% of the electorate voted to leave. In Cardiff, 40% voted to leave and 60% voted to remain.
Responding to the referendum
A multi-agency officer working group, including representatives from the local authority, health and higher education was established and published ‘Brexit - Implications for Cardiff’External link opens in a new window.
The report identified opportunities and risks for the city from Brexit and proposed, to both the UK and Welsh Governments, ways in which the city can be supported to prepare for, and respond to, the impact of leaving the European Union.
How are we preparing for Brexit?
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The UK economy and Public Finances
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Citizens and Residency
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Community Cohesion
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The Labour Market and Council Staff
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Structural Funds and UK Shared Prosperity Fund
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International Inward Investment and Trade
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Tariffs
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The Regulatory Environment
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Business Continuity Planning and Supporting Vulnerable Citizens
The assessment specifically considered the impact on Council services and did not seek to offer commentary on anticipated national trends. It drew on the work of the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR), Core Cities and the Council’s own Budget Strategy – to provide a national and local economic context.
Cardiff will continue to work closely with the Welsh Local Government Association to ensure that our local intelligence informs a national picture of Brexit readiness and that our contingency planning supports the national level work with Welsh Government and any wider work with the UK Government.
Lobbying
To outline the potential impact of Brexit on Cardiff and other UK cities, the Leader of the Council joined the Leaders of Core Cities in meeting with the EU’s Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier, in February 2018 and also gave evidence to the Parliamentary Select Committee in March 2018.
How is Wales preparing for Brexit?
The website sets out advice for citizens, organisations and sectors across Wales about the steps that need to be taken to prepare to leave the EU and is updated regularly. The website currently considers the impact of Brexit on:
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People living in Wales
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Disabled people
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EU citizens in Wales
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Business and the economy
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Health and social services
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Education and skills
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Environment, agriculture and food
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Fisheries and trade
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Community cohesion
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Local services and third sector
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EU funds
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Transport
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Data protection
Information for EU citizens living in Cardiff
EU regulations for Freedom of Movement will no longer apply to the UK after December 2020 and so the UK Government is making it compulsory for EU citizens, along with their family members, who wish to remain legally in the UK after a transition period, to apply for a new residence status.
To make sure EU citizens and their families have all the information they need, the Council has a dedicated webpage on the
EU Settlement Scheme.
Support for Business
The Council has been working closely with Business Wales at Welsh Government to provide businesses with a clear understanding of the support available.
With regional centres across Wales, Business Wales offer a mixture of online and face-to-face support, as well as training workshops and individual advice.
Third sector organisations
Personal data
Following Brexit, the rules about how personal data flows between the EU and the UK will change.