London,
05
March
2019
|
06:21
Europe/London

Camden enhances its support for EU residents

Camden Council is to offer free assistance for residents who are required to go through the Home Office EU settlement scheme process.

Concerns have been raised about a lack of information and guidance from government so the borough is stepping in to make sure residents get the support they need.

The EU Make Camden advice summit takes place on 11 March, and EU citizens will be able to access advice and hear about what is being done in Camden to manage the impact of Brexit on the borough’s communities. Residents can register to attend here. The event will also be available on live stream.

Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council
“Despite the uncertain climate, we are taking a proactive approach to preparing the borough for Brexit. I want our EU residents to know that they are valued here in Camden and that we are here to support them thorough uncertain times.

“75% of Camden residents voted remain in the EU referendum and since the vote we’ve been standing up for our EU nationals and our close relationship with Europe.

“Today we give a guarantee of support. We’ll be helping residents to complete the settlement application process and working together as a community to support anybody feeling uncertain about what will happen after Brexit. We want our EU citizens to continue to call Camden their home and we will do everything possible to make sure that happens.”
Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council

Camden’s package of support:

  • Provide officers to carry out the ID verification service free of charge to Camden’s EU residents and their children, and Camden staff members.
  • Frontline Council staff will be briefed with up to date contact information so they are ready to signpost residents to the help they need.
  • Partner with key advice organisations such as Citizens Advice Camden and Camden Community Law Centre to ensure that ongoing advice points are available.
  • Work through schools, community groups and voluntary organisations, to ensure all are prepared to show Camden residents where to access the support they need.
  • Invest in our cohesion services to promote healthy communities and convene a cohesion conference.

Camden’s Leader, Georgia Gould will also call on Camden’s businesses and employers to support the EU Make Camden campaign by speaking to their EU employees about the application process, signposting them to advice services and paying the £14 fee for those requiring the ID verification service.

Camden’s European citizens can get useful information on their democratic rights and how to access our ID verification service, along with other guidance about Brexit at www.camden.gov.uk/Europe

For advice relating to specific circumstances, Camden’s EU residents can contact one of our advice partners below:

  • Camden Community Law Centre - 020 7284 6510
  • Citizens Advice Camden - 0300 330 1157
  • Age UK Camden - 020 7837 3777
  • Mary Ward Legal Centre – 020 7831 7079

Camden Council will be commencing its ID verification service for EU citizens making their application to the Home Office’s EU Settlement Scheme on 4 March 2019. Although able to charge a £14 processing fee for this service, Camden will be waiving this fee for its EU residents and their children, and Camden staff members.