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Councillor Warren, having recently spoken with concerned business owners regarding Brexit, sought clarification as to what action the Council is taking, in conjunction with Community Planning Partners, to engage with Europe regardless of the Brexit outcome and asked if the Council is committed to continue to engage with other cities and countries to ensure that Moray remains a good place to work and do business.
In response the Chair stated that the Highlands & Islands Territorial Partnership and the Highlands & Islands European partnership are trying to maintain links and are working closely with Civil Servants based in Brussels, Scottish Government European Funding Civil Servants and the Scottish Office using a collaborative approach.
The Corporate Director (Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure) advised that there is ongoing work being undertaken through the Convention of Highlands and Islands and that, internally, the Chief Executive is chairing a regular Brexit Preparedness meeting where Service Managers can share reports received from the Scottish Government regarding emerging issues eg pressure in environmental health issues. She further advised that there is also potential for some funding support for an additional resource in local authorities to undertake some of the additional work required in the event of a no deal scenario.
Councillor Warren was concerned that some small businesses may struggle to keep up with legislative change and asked how the Council could assist.
In response, the Corporate Director (Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure) advised that the Highlands and Islands Enterprise website had tool kits available to help small businesses with regard to Brexit and agreed to speak to the Communications Team to explore ways to share these links via the Council’s website and social media platforms.
Councillor Morrison sought clarification as to whether there is a contingency plan for the provision of school meals given the restrictions that might take place as a result of Brexit.
In response the Corporate Director (Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure) advised that a large amount of food for school meals was sourced locally and that, whilst choice may be impacted, healthy nutritious school meals would still be provided.