Agenda item

Simon Jones (Corporate Director Growth, Environment and Transport) and Rebecca Spore (Director of Infrastructure) were in attendance for this item.

1.    The Leader introduced the report which set out the new European Union Entry Exit System (EES) which would bring in new border controls for tourists and freight, and highlighted both the operational risks to Kent and the Council’s response to date, including proposed solutions and future actions in preparation for the implementation of the EES.

The EES was due to come into effect on 6^th October 2024 and was expected to have a significant impact on businesses, residents and non-EU nationals. To mitigate the potential risks inherent to the implementation of the EES and ensure appropriate plans were in place, KCC had worked with the Department for Transport (DfT) to set up a number of task and finish groups which reported into Central Government. KCC were also in close communication with government officials, the British Embassy in Paris and the European Union to ensure Kent’s issues were heard and where funding was required, seek assurance this would be available to mitigate the damaging effects should they arise. The Leader emphasised the impact that the EES would have across the entire Council and the degree of work that needed to be undertaken to ensure KCC services remained resilient amongst potential pressures.

2.    Further to comments and questions from Members it was noted:

·         That the British Embassy had provided assurance that the risks to Kent were being raised at a national level between the UK and EU government and agreed to provide regular updates to ensure that KCC could effectively communicate local issues with its residents. Mr Murphy (Cabinet Member for Economic Development) was due to meet with colleagues in Calais regarding the use of existing stations at Ashford and Ebbsfleet International to ease the pressure of delays at St. Pancras. The Leader assured Members that all possible mitigating proposals, including pre-registration, had been evidenced to the Parliamentary European Scrutiny Committee.

·         Members commented on the need for a communication strategy to ensure residents and businesses were aware of the possible local and national impact.

·         That whilst the EES was not within KCCs control, it would have a significant impact on the assets which were within the Council’s control and would require financial recompense for the mitigation mechanisms required to ensure as minimal disruption as possible to Kent residents, businesses and  tourists. To seek recompense from Kent taxpayers on a cross-border issue would be unreasonable.

·         Senior officers within KCC were putting structures and processes in place based on   worst-case scenario, but a clearer picture was needed to plan effectively. A report would be presented to Cabinet at a future date which would demonstrate the mitigations in place in advance of the EES implementation date of 6^th October 2024.

·         The UK had developed a new ‘Borders Target Operating Model’ (BTOM) which aimed to standardise controls in relation to the safety and security of incoming goods from all trading partners, including the EU. Members noted the level of concern in Kent amongst businesses around the efficiency of the proposed arrangements and as outlined in the report, there were many potential risks which needed to be addressed.

·         Members noted the disruption on the road network that would be caused through Operation Brock as a result of managing the delays caused through the EES and that a permanent solution was required.

3.    The Leader confirmed that a number of reports had been presented to the appropriate Cabinet Committees to keep Members and the public appraised of the ongoing preparatory work ahead of the EES implementation; however, the Council awaited further information to understand the impact of the EES in greater detail.

4.    RESOLVED to agree the recommendations as outline in the report.