The government has today said that an extra £9m will be made available to help ready major ports and surrounding areas for Brexit. Local government secretary, Robert Jenrick said £5m will be given to local councils which either have or are near to a major air, land or sea port and £4m will be provided to local resilience forums.

The extra funding follows a £20m boost for councils announced earlier this month to bolster preparations for leaving the EU by appointing a designated Brexit lead. It is understood that this brings the total government funding allocated to help local areas prepare for Brexit to £77m.

It is expected that this latest round of funding may be used to support the development of plans, including any additional staffing costs.

Jenrick said the government had stepped up preparedness significantly in recent weeks, including asking every council to appoint a Brexit lead officer.

"From keeping our supply chains running and ensuring goods continue to flow into the country, to putting robust plans in place for every community, local government is playing a vital role in preparing the country to be fully ready to leave the EU on 31st October," he added.

The allocations have been based on a number of factors including the expected impact on the local area, the amount of EU goods received by port areas into the country and the areas wider importance to the UK’s trade network. As such, local authorities in Kent will receive over £2.6m, given that it is home to the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel, Ashford and Ebbsfleet. Kent County Council will receive £1m. The sum of £1.6m will be shared between a further 13 local authorities in the county.

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