EU citizens living in Wirral are being urged to submit their applications to the UK’s EU Settlement Scheme by the deadline at the end of this month if they wish to remain in the UK.
Thousands of EU nationals are on Wirral’s electoral register and following the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, those EU nationals who have not already applied are advised to complete applications for the EU Settlement Scheme.
All EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, should apply without delay so that they can continue to work, study, and access free healthcare and benefits in the UK after 30 June 2021.
To apply you only need to complete three key steps – prove your identity, show you live in the UK and declare any criminal convictions.
The Mayor of Wirral, Councillor George Davies, said: “Citizens of the EU, Switzerland and EEA countries make a huge contribution to the economic and cultural life of Wirral and we want them to keep playing a much-valued part in our community.
“Wirral is a wonderful place to live, work and do business and over the years thousands of EU nationals have made this borough their home, and enriching our valued communities.
“Wirral Council wants to make a clear commitment to people living in Wirral who are from other EU countries – you are welcome here now and will remain welcome here in the future.
“While more than 5,300 Wirral residents have already applied to remain under the Settlement Scheme, I would encourage everyone that needs to, to do it quickly, as time is running out.”
From July, EU nationals will need to be able to demonstrate their settlement status in order to continue living in the UK and to navigate everyday life here, such as accessing public services, renting or buying a home, or starting a new job.
The application process is designed to be as simple and straightforward as possible. For more information about the EU Settlement Scheme and what it means for you, please visit the government website 
.
Last year Wirral’s previous Mayor, Cllr Tony Smith, wrote to those EU citizens on the borough’s electoral register encouraging them to apply, however, the council is only able to contact people who are on the open version of the electoral register.
If you have family or friends who may not be aware of the EU Settlement Scheme please share this information.
Also, if you or anyone you know needs support with the application process, please contact Wirral Change, a local organisation who can help you directly. Call 0151 649 8177 or email admin@wirralchange.org.uk .
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