WITH just weeks to go until the country cuts ties with the EU, a councillor has voiced his concerns about Tendring Council’s “lack of preparation” in the event of a no deal Brexit.

On October 31, the UK will officially have to leave the EU, with or without a deal.

But Harwich councillor Ivan Henderson has said Tendring Council does not seem to have completed a “thorough assessment on what impact Brexit will have” on Harwich.

He also said at the latest full council meeting, that none of his questions were answered about Brexit and he felt “disheartened” and “really concerned”.

He said: “I did ask at the last council meeting whether Tendring Council has carried out a full impact assessment.

“There are issues the council should look at if there is a no deal Brexit.

“I’ve asked a set of questions, which haven’t been answered.

“I’ve asked if a no deal Brexit will have an impact on the living quality of people if prices go up, because then people in deprivation will have a big problem.

“But this will also backfire at the council, because people with low incomes will hardly to manage to pay their bills.”

He also believes they will not be able to pay their council tax.

He said he is really concerned about businesses which rely on next day deliveries or imports from Europe.

He said: “I haven’t seen any assessment on the impact. I have asked what a no deal Brexit will mean to businesses and residents, but I haven’t had any feedback.”

A spokesman for Tendring Council said: “Tendring, like other authorities and agencies, is continuing to plan for a number of potential impacts which could occur from Brexit, deal or no deal.

“We’re working closely with partners on how we would manage potential issues and looking to maximise potential opportunities from Brexit.

“Tendring Council has a specific focus on port health as we are port health authority, so we are preparing to increase our capacity should we need to.

“There is also training going on.”

Harwich town councillor Dave Mcleod said Harwich and the surrounding area will be very busy after Brexit, and believes more jobs will be generated by the move.

He said: “I want out and I’m hopeful that everything is prepared for import and export, which I believe will prosper after Brexit.

“We are going to be ready for it and Brexit should benefit Harwich International Port as well.”