An open letter to EU citizens living in the Chelmsford area

Chelmsford is a diverse community. The skills and strengths that everyone who lives here brings to the area makes this a lively, forward-thinking and pleasant place to live.

The City Council values everybody's contribution to the district - wherever you are from and however long you have lived here. In Chelmsford, there are around 3,500 residents who have come from the EU, EEA or Switzerland.

The UK Government is currently planning the country's exit from the European Union. Anyone who lives here and is from the EU can apply for 'settled status'.

Settled status gives you the legal right to continue living in the UK. It means you and your family keep your access to healthcare, benefits and pensions. It also means that your family members outside the UK can join you in future. It is estimated that around 50% of affected Chelmsford residents have applied so far.

If you have not applied for settled status yet, I would like to encourage you to complete your application. The deadline is 30 June 2021 and the application must be submitted through the GOV.uk website (see below).

If you do not have Internet access at home, or if you need to scan documents but don't have a device, you can come to the main library in Chelmsford City Centre. There, you can book a session on a computer and use a scanner to submit your application. For more information, visit http://libraries.essex.gov.uk/facilities-and-charges/european-settlement-scheme-readers.

Some European countries outside of the EU have reached separate agreements with the UK. Irish citizens will continue to enjoy their existing rights in the UK and do not need to apply, unless they wish to.

To apply for settled status, and for further information, please visit http://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families.

Yours faithfully,

Councillor Stephen Robinson
Leader of Chelmsford City Council