Enfield and Brexit

Enfield benefits greatly from our diverse and dynamic local communities, whose origins can be traced from all over the world. We estimate that around 26,000 (one in twelve) Enfield residents are from other European Union (EU) countries.

We are proud that so many people from EU countries have chosen to live in Enfield, contributing to the local community. We hope that Brexit will not affect our residents and that those who want to stay will do so.

We are committed to ensuring that Enfield, its residents and businesses get the best outcome from Brexit and are making plans to ensure we continue to provide excellent services to everyone in Enfield.

Government guidance and information

Leaving the EU will lead to a number of changes that will affect businesses and residents. If you are:

• from the EU, European Economic Area or Switzerland, you and your family will usually need to apply to stay in the UK after 30 June 2021, or 31 December 2020 in the event of a no-deal. You can do this by applying for the EU Settlement Scheme for 'settled status' or 'pre-settled status' or applying for British citizenship.
• a business owner, you need to find out what may change and the steps you should take to prepare
• planning to travel to the EU, there will be some changes that could affect your travels

For the latest guidance and information on preparing to leave the EU, visit GOV.UK.

EU Settlement Scheme

For information on the EU Settlement Scheme, view our factsheet (PDF).

Other useful information and guidance

• For general advice, guidance and support for your local business, visit Enterprise Enfield
• Guidance for European Londoners from the Mayor’s Office
• FSB small business guide 
• Confederation of British Industry (CBI) 
• National Council for Voluntary Organisations
• Citizens Advice Bureau 
• Local Government organisation advice for councils
• Operation Yellowhammer: The UK government's Reasonable Worst Case Planning Assumptions document

Help from Enfield Council

The Government is encouraging all EU citizens living in the United Kingdom to check online if they need to apply to the settlement scheme, by visiting GOV.UK, and follow the guidance to register if needed. We encourage you to do this as soon as possible. 

If you are unable to self-serve, we are working with Citizens Advice Enfield to help local people who are likely to be impacted by Brexit get the help and advice they need to prepare for the UK leaving the EU. This includes drop-in sessions run by Citizens Advice Enfield to explain the EU Settlement Scheme as well as supporting services available at our hub libraries.

If you would like to speak to Citizens Advice about the EU Settlement Scheme, you can meet them at Edmonton Green Library on Tuesdays, Enfield Town Library on Wednesdays and Palmers Green Library on Fridays, from 10am to 4pm.

They can also help with completing your application for settled status, so you will need:

• internet access on a computer, tablet or smartphone
• a valid passport, national identity card, or biometric residence card (if you’re a non-EU citizen)
• a recent digital photograph of yourself
• your National Insurance number, if you have one
• you may need to provide proof of residence (e.g. bank statements, utility bills and pay slips). If you are homeless it may be possible to use the Citizens Advice Enfield address.

For the latest information and guidance on the UK exiting the EU, visit GOV.UK. As more information on Brexit emerges, you can check back here. You can also keep up to date by signing up for our regular newsletter.

Enfield Brexit Panel

We are working with partners to ensure we’re in a good position to continue to support our local communities and help provide the services people need. In late 2018 we created a multi-agency Brexit Panel, chaired by the Deputy Leader of the council, to consider how best to prepare for Brexit.

View the latest Enfield Brexit Panel documents.