Hampshire County Council (HCC) is urging non-UK EU citizens living in the UK to protect their rights after Brexit by signing up to the Government’s EU Settlement Scheme.

Alton councillor Andrew Joy, HCC executive member for communities, partnerships and external affairs, including Brexit, said: “We know that uncertainty over Brexit is a concerning time for many people, particularly for those non-UK EU citizens and their families who have made their home here in the UK.

“Over the last 12 months, the county council has sought to provide assurance to its own staff and to signpost Hampshire residents to advice about the EU Settlement Scheme.

“The scheme, which involves an online registration process, has been designed specifically to enable those non-UK EU citizens, already lawfully based in the UK, to remain post-Brexit and to avoid them being adversely affected by plans for a new immigration system from 2021.”

He continued: “The county council welcomes this positive approach as there are over 40,000 non-UK EU residents living in Hampshire – many of them highly valued members of our communities. Not only do they enrich our culture, but they also contribute to Hampshire’s thriving economy.

“It is encouraging that by the end of June this year over 9,000 EU citizens living in Hampshire had successfully registered with the scheme.”

Cllr Joy is keen to encourage those who wish to secure their right to remain in the UK to complete the online application form at https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

Those who may need help in completing the online form are advised to visit their local Citizens Advice bureau for support.