Each local in Wales will receive £45,000 to help ramp up their work to prepare for Brexit.

The money will be topped up by an extra £200,000 from the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA). The WLGA will co-ordinate the work to avoid duplication and encourage cross local government delivery.

Local government minister, Julie James, said: ‘Local authorities have a critical role to play in preparing for and responding to a no deal Brexit and other Brexit scenarios. If they are inadequately prepared, it will exacerbate the risks and issues faced by people, organisations and businesses and affect vital services such as health, social care and education.

‘This needs to be a dedicated resource and not on top of the day job if it’s to be effective, given that much of the day job is delivery of essential services that are likely to have increased demands on them no matter what type of Brexit we end up having so this funding will help them to prepare more thoroughly.’

Cllr Debbie Wilcox, leader of the WLGA, said: ‘The funding going to local authorities will ensure a dedicated resource is in place in each local authority to undertake the additional planning, coordination and preparation work associated with Brexit that is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.’