Cornwall Council is making sure that EU citizens living in Cornwall get the support they need to complete the Home Office EU settlement scheme process. 

The council is once again providing an ID scanning service and will be making appointments available from Wednesday, February 10, for anyone seeking help with their applications.

European citizens who don’t hold British citizenship must apply for settled or pre-settled status before the deadline of June 30, 2021, in order to continue living and working in the UK. This also applies for those who have lived in the UK for many years, and for those married to British citizens.

During the appointments, staff from the council’s Registration Service will be on hand to scan and verify ID documents using a secure Home Office app.  This is the first step to apply for pre-settled or settled status, and once complete you can start the rest of the application.

Cornwall Council Leader Julian German said: “We are clear – we want our European citizen residents to stay here because we value their huge contribution to Cornwall.

“Many EU citizens have already applied for the Settlement Scheme, but many more do still need to apply. We recognise that some people may not be sure they need to apply or how to apply, so we’re here to provide them with that information to help with their applications.

“We want people to be confident that they have applied correctly and have done everything they need to protect their rights.”

Latest government figures show that more than 10,700 people living in Cornwall have applied to the scheme, but there are likely to be many more who still need to apply. 

Councillor Edwina Hannaford, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Neighbourhoods, added: “I’d encourage any EU citizens living in Cornwall who are yet to apply to contact our Registration Office sooner rather than later to make use of the ID scanning service.

“You need to get various documents together to complete your application, so it’s worth getting started on it now if you haven’t already done so. It’s great that our Registration staff are on hand to help, so please do take advantage of this service.”

All necessary Covid-19 safeguarding measures are in place to keep visitors and staff safe, including social distancing, in line with the latest public health guidelines.

Jo Wenborne, Cornwall Council’s Registration Service Manager, said: “We are really pleased to be able to provide the EU Settlement Scheme ID scanning service following the lockdown closure last March.

“This gives residents access to a more convenient and safe local facility, reducing their need to travel out of Cornwall.”

To book an appointment, contact Cornwall Registration Service on 0300 1234 181 between 9am-5pm on Monday to Friday. Appointments will take place at Truro Registration Office, Dalvenie House, New County Hall, Truro. TR1 3AY.

What to bring to your appointment

• Your current valid biometric EU, EEA or Swiss passport or valid biometric residence permit (BRP) for family members of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen

• A mobile phone that can receive text messages

The cost of the identity document scanning service is £14 (including VAT).

Further support

Inclusion Cornwall can provide practical support to people who need help to complete their applications, including directing applicants to IT support or help for complex applications.

If you, or someone you know, is having difficulties applying for settled status, please contact Inclusion Cornwall on 01872 326440 or by email at hello@inclusioncornwall.co.uk.

Further support is available from Citizens Advice Cornwall. Call 03333 440061 for free EUSS advice and support. Alternatively, email EUSS@citizensadvicecornwall.org.uk or text ADVICE EUSS to 78866 and a member of the team will call you back.