B&NES Council Leads Local Groups to Host European Citizens’ Fair on Saturday 28th March

10 March 2020

EU, EEA and Swiss cit****izens and their EU or non-EU family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021.

B&NES Council, Wera Hobhouse MP, Citizens Advice and the In Limbo Project have joined forces to put on a free drop-in event for local European citizens, providing information and advice on their rights and the EU Settlement Scheme.

Open to all, the fair is sponsored by Bath for Europe and will be hosted by St Michael’s Without Church on Broad Street in Bath from 11 am - 2 pm on Saturday 28th March. There will be short talks at 11 am, 12 noon and 1 pm, information stalls, advisors on hand and a Euro Café with refreshments available to purchase.

Dine Romero, B&NES Council Leader, said: “European nationals and their families living in B&NES are an integral part of our community. As our friends, family members, colleagues and neighbours, we want you to stay. We know it’s upsetting and stressful to have to ‘apply’ to stay in your home. That’s why, as a local authority, we want to do everything we can to share advice and information. We are reaching out to help raise awareness of the EU Settlement Scheme and to show our friendship and support.”

Wera said: “We have been hearing that not everyone who needs to apply for Settled Status is aware of this requirement. It would be so distressing for those who are entitled to remain here to miss out for any reason. Losing those who have made our city and the surrounding area their home would damage our community in so many ways. The event is a positive response to this situation.”

Reverend Roger Driver said: “Bath is a warm, vibrant and welcoming city and benefits in its diversity from the many who come to study, live and work here from all over Europe. Whether you study at our two universities, work in hospitality, healthcare, retail or other sectors, your contribution to our community is hugely valued. We want to send an important message by hosting this event and look forward to providing a warm welcome at St. Michael’s.”

Les Redwood, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice B&NES, said: “We are pleased to support the European Citizens’ Fair and congratulate B&NES Council, our MP Wera Hobhouse and the rest of the team for organising this important event to raise awareness about the EU Settlement Scheme. Citizens Advice B&NES are happy to offer help, support and advice on any issues European citizens have in the Bath and North East Somerset area, including questions about the scheme.”

Bath for Europe is proud to sponsor the fair, said the group's spokesperson Olivia Leydenfrost: “We are committed to supporting our fellow residents from the rest of Europe. This is about valuing everyone, no matter where they come from.” For more information on the fair, visit www.bathforeurope.com/events.