COUNCILS across Merseyside should set up specialist teams to ensure there is enough food in their area in the event of a no-deal Brexit, experts have said.
The document – from specialists at Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), City, University of London and the University of Sussex – says authorities should undertake risk assessments of how Brexit may affect food supply.
But plans gathered via freedom of information requests show a number of other local authorities are exploring possible outcomes – to some extent.
Wirral Council said: "Given the lack of detail from government about any proposed deal or arrangements, it is difficult to carry out an assessment that is not purely speculative at this time."
It did however say once "firm details" of any deal were available it would produce an analysis including "wider general implications for residents such as food costs."
Liverpool City Council, however, said it has not yet undertaken any surveys or produced briefings or reports with regard to Brexit.
Their spokesman said: "Any preparations will be contingent on the outcome of any negotiations with the EU and associated announcements from the UK Government which at this time remain to be confirmed."
Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens councils are also assessing the potential impacts of Brexit – but none gave any mention of food supplies.
Theresa May revealed in July that plans were underway to stockpile food – in case imports from the EU are cut off if the UK crashes out without an agreement – but denied the public should be "worried".
More recently, talk of stockpiling has become all the rage.
Majestic Wine said it is storing up millions of pounds worth of wine to ensure stock keeps flowing, while Premier Foods (behind brands such as Mr Kipling and Oxo) has said it is stockpiling ingredients and packaging.
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