MORE than 10,700 EU nationals living in Cornwall have applied for "settled status" in the UK - but there are likely to be many more who still need to apply, says Cornwall Council.

The Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Leadership Board has issued an open letter to EU nationals living here, encouraging them to make the application before the deadline of June 30, 2021.

Leaders across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly have made clear their desire to support EU residents and to safeguard Cornwall’s reputation as an open and welcoming place.

The letter, signed by Julian German, Leader of Cornwall Council, and Robert Francis, Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, recognises the commitment, dedication, skills and diversity EU nationals have brought to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

“Our message is clear. We want our EU residents to stay, and we will support them in continuing to make Cornwall their home," said Cllr German.

“We want to ensure that no-one who is eligible and wants to remain here is left behind. We need to reach out to vulnerable groups and those who may not even know they need to apply to the scheme.

“If you know of someone who is eligible to apply to the EUSS who hasn’t yet applied, please encourage them to do so.

“The application process is free and there is support available for anyone who needs it.”

The letter from the leaders refers to EU nationals living here as "our family members, friends, colleagues and neighbours".

Michèle Laouenan, who lives between Liskeard and Launceston, has lived in Cornwall for four decades, and has run a suucessful business and raised her family here.

She said that she’s applied for her settled status now, and it secures her rights to her pension, to access the NHS, and to travel in and out of the UK.

But the tone of the acknowledgement she has received from central Government has not left her feeling good about the situation.

"I have now received a reply from the Home Office to my request for Settled Status in the UK," she said.

"The letter states that I have been ‘Granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK’. I have only been told of this by email/letter, but will receive no proof of status, it says it is just for personal records.

"After forty happy years living in Cornwall, raising a family, running a successful bookshop in Liskeard, sharing my expertise in education as a teacher, lecturer and advisor,I find this response extremely condescending and not at all reassuring."

For anyone who does need practical support to complete an application, Inclusion Cornwall can provide help, including directing applicants to IT support or help for complex applications, as well as providing support for wider issues.

If you, or someone you know, is having difficulties applying for settled status, please contact Inclusion Cornwall on 01872 326440 or by email at [email protected].

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

Read the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board open letter in full here.