TENDRING is receiving a share of a £5 million Government cash pot to help UK ports prepare for Brexit.

Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced the extra cash will be given to 29 councils which either have - or are near to - a major air, land or sea port.

Harwich International Port has been listed as one of the major ports needing a funding boost to prepare for the UK leaving the EU on October 31.

To support the changes ahead Tendring Council has been given a £150,000 slice of the Government’s cash pot.

Mr Jenrick said: “From keeping our supply chains running and ensuring goods continue to flow into the country, to putting robust plans in place for every community, local government is playing a vital role in preparing the country to be fully ready to leave the EU on October 31.

“We have stepped up our preparedness significantly in recent weeks, including by asking every council to appoint a Brexit Lead Officer.”

The extra funds can be used to support the development of Brexit plans for the district and for additional staffing costs.

The funding allocations to the councils have been based on the expected impact on the local area, the amount of EU goods received by port areas into the country and their wider importance to the UK’s trade network.

This funding is not for the infrastructure of ports.

If required, that comes from the Department for Transport.

A Government spokesman said: “Local authorities with ports will be more affected than the majority of councils after we leave the EU, and so will need increased capacity and specialist capacity to put plans in place and manage changes.

A Tendring Council spokesman 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.

“To date we have received £325,000 from government to support our preparations, and this is being utilised to address key issues which may arise in relation to delivery of services such as environmental health and on transport issues such as road access should the main port at Harwich be required to cater for increased freight traffic.”