Home Local News EU settlement support for Lancashire residents

EU settlement support for Lancashire residents

0

Lancashire County Council is offering help to people who are applying to the Government’s EU Settlement Scheme.

The scheme, which has been introduced by the Home Office, encourages EU residents to apply to continue to live in Britain following Brexit. More information is available at the gov.uk website.

As part of the application process, people need to scan their Passport or ID Card using an Android smartphone or tablet to verify their identity.

Anyone who does not have an Android device, or is having difficulty scanning their passport or ID Card, can attend a drop-in session at Certificate Services at the Record Office on Bow Lane, Preston, where it will be scanned and verified for them. The sessions are available from Mondays to Thursdays from 9am until 12 noon.

There is a charge of £14 per person to cover the cost of this service, which has been set by the Home Office.

The county council is also working with national charity We Are Digital to offer bookable sessions to help people with an Android device who have difficulties using technology to complete the checks they need to apply for EU Settled Status.

We Are Digital will assess whether people are eligible for the service. These free sessions are part of the Government’s Assisted Digital Support scheme.

The sessions are available at St Anne’s, Ormskirk, Rawtenstall, Colne, Morecambe, Preston Harris and Burnley libraries.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: “If you’re a European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss citizen and want to continue to live in the UK after Brexit, you and your family will be able to apply to the government to get either settled or pre-settled status.

“The Government is encouraging people to do this online at gov.uk, however, some people will need help to complete the process.

“You can only verify your application using an Android device and if you don’t have access to one, you can use our scanning drop-in sessions at Bow Lane in Preston. You don’t need to book for this service.

“If you have access to an Android device but have difficulties using the app, or completing the application process, you can book a session with staff at one of the seven libraries that are offering the Assisted Digital Support service.

“We’re here to help and anyone struggling to apply for settled status should get in touch or visit our website to find out more.”

For more information about the Government’s EU Settlement scheme, visit: www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

To find out more about how the county council is supporting people who are applying for settled or pre-settled status, including the ID scanning service, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/births-marriages-and-deaths/european-settlement-scheme

To check whether you are eligible for support via the Assisted Digital Support service, call We Are Digital on 03333 445 675.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here