Brexit and European Nationals resident in Guildford borough
Case reference FOI2020/00310
Published 1 April 2020
Request
Under the Freedom of Information Act I would like to be provided with the following information: The total number of European nationals living within the jurisdiction of the council (ie the total number of EU nationals that the council is aware of in their area) and how this number was arrived at.
A copy of all council communications targeting EU nationals specifically since 2016 (including social media ads or posts targeting the EU population)
Has the council written to European nationals in its area to inform them of their rights and options following Brexit? If yes, how many times?
What, if any, preparation has the council undertaken as regards European nationals within their area and the implementation of Brexit?
Is there a communication strategy for EU nationals informing them of the impact of Brexit?
Response
1. The total number of European nationals living within the jurisdiction of the council (ie the total number of EU nationals that the council is aware of in their area) and how this number was arrived at.
7,095 EU nationals registered to vote in local elections as of 1 March 2020.
2. A copy of all council communications targeting EU nationals specifically since 2016 (including social media ads or posts targeting the EU population)
We placed a couple of 'advisory' articles in our taxi newsletters last year, simply directing members of the trade to official sources of advice.
3. Has the council written to EU nationals in its area to inform them of their rights and options following Brexit?
No. We have not written to electors re-their voting rights as they have not currently changed. Once there are any changes we will follow Cabinet Office and Electoral Commission advice.
4. What, if any, preparation has the council undertaken as regards EU nationals within their area and the implementation of Brexit? Is there a communication strategy for EU nationals informing them of the impact of Brexit?
We have nothing in place at present.
5. Will the council be informing EU nationals that they can vote in the upcoming local elections? How?
We were preparing for Police & Crime Commissioner Elections in May 2020, but all elections have been postponed to May 2021. We will be using all the usual communication methods - poll cards, social media etc. We intended to have special social media posts targeting European Citizens. The poll cards sent to properties that we were informed were empty during the annual canvass had information confirming that European Union Member States' citizens could register and vote in local elections. This will still be used for the elections to be held next year.
Documents
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