Impact of no-deal Brexit will mean number of ‘vulnerable’ people will grow, warn Lawyers in Local Government
The impact of a no-deal Brexit will undoubtedly mean that the number of people considered by local authorities to fall into the category of ‘vulnerable’ will grow, Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) has said.
In a policy position note, Vulnerability; Duties and Responsibilities in the event of a No Deal Brexit, prepared at the request of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, LLG said that whilst it had defined ‘vulnerable’ in its widest sense, the Government was urged not to base its planning solely around those currently classified as vulnerable.
Warning of a rise in the number of ‘vulnerable’ people, the note continued: “Provision for vulnerable people is cash limited. As demand increases, more money will be required if provision to adequate levels is to continue. As local authorities do not have sole responsibility for provision, the third sector is also likely to need additional financial support.
“Contingency planning strongly indicates that the Government should put aside a provisional sum of money to underwrite the additional financial burden placed upon local authorities and the third sector as demand grows with increasing numbers of vulnerable people.”
The policy position note covers:
- Vulnerability
- Other duties
- Discretionary provision
- Fluidity of vulnerability following Brexit
- Homelessness
- Foodbanks
- Adult Social Care self-funders and Adult Social Care provision
- School meals
- Emergency planning
The policy position note was prepared by LLG in consultation with and supported by its membership and corporate partners.
