Almost 3,000 European Union (EU) nationals registered in Three Rivers have been able to receive advice on how to stay in the UK after 2021.

One million EU citizens have been granted a settled or pre-settled from the EU Settlement scheme – a government scheme for European Union, European Economic Area or Swiss citizens to continue living in the UK after June 30, 2021.

Three Rivers District Council has been involved in providing information about the scheme for the past five years, helping its 3,000 EU registered citizens to learn on how to get a granted status.

Applicants to the scheme must be able to prove their identity, that they live in the UK and declare any criminal convictions. Three Rivers District Council has been helping its registered EU citizens to complete their application before it closes on December 31, 2020.

Sara Bedford, leader of the council, said: “We have almost 3,000 EU nationals registered on the current Electoral Register. Three Rivers has a history of welcoming people from all over the world to live or work in the district.

“We value all our residents equally and wish to support those who have come to live here from the EU to stay here if Brexit goes ahead.”

Three Rivers is just one part of the network of local authorities, charities and employers across the UK who are working to help EU citizens apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

For people who do not have the skills, confidence or access to complete the online form, 300 assisted digital locations across the UK and translated materials in 26 languages are available to assist applicants.

The Home Office itself has 1,500 staff working on the Scheme, including a team of people running a dedicated, seven-days a week phone service.