Harrow Council’s CEO warned of the possibility of further financial uncertainty due to Brexit despite the country officially leaving the European Union tomorrow (January 31).

Sean Harriss said it will still take time to assess how Brexit will impact the borough and said all possibilities – including the collapse of a deal – are still open.

He noted the result of last month’s General Election and welcomed the fact that, with a majority Government in place, there is likely to be greater stability moving forward.

The UK is set to leave the EU at 11pm tomorrow, signalling the start of a ‘transition period’ to negotiate additional arrangements from the start of 2021.

But Mr Harriss believes the council should still prepare for all eventualities, all of which are likely to affect the borough and its residents.

“We spent time preparing for the possibility of a no deal Brexit and we may have to put these back on the table if the Government fails to secure a trade deal,” he said.

“Our strategy depends on the impact of Brexit on the wider economy as something that will impact our financial position.”

He added the council will need to “keep an eye” on the impact Brexit will have on EU citizens, many of whom are council employees.

Cllr Graham Henson, leader of Harrow Council, noted the “large number” of Eastern European residents – particularly those from Romania – in the borough and said they will need additional support as negotiations progress.