Recommendation 2

Government is not doing enough to ensure businesses and citizens will be ready for the end of the transition period, and it is unclear what has been learnt from the previous ‘Get ready for Brexit’ campaign. The Cabinet Office launched a new communications campaign, ‘The UK’s new start: let’s get going’, in July. Its aim is to inform businesses and the public about what actions they need to take to be ready for the end of the transition period. Government survey data suggests that 36% of SMEs still believe the transition period will be extended, and the Cabinet Office does not know whether the remaining 64% have taken action to be ready. The Cabinet Office acknowledges the key lesson from its ‘Get ready for Brexit’ campaign is that it should track actions taken in response, rather than just measuring public awareness. The Cabinet Office plans to intensify communications as the deadline approaches but it is unclear if it has the necessary information on levels of readiness among businesses and individuals to successfully target this campaign. Current levels of readiness and a decrease in travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic mean some businesses and members of the public may not look for help or guidance until they plan to travel or import/export goods, which could be some time after the transition period has passed. Recommendation: Government must maximise all remaining opportunities for getting businesses and individuals to act in the time remaining to January 2021. It must ensure it has adequate information on what third parties are doing to take action, not just relying on surveys of awareness. Government needs to ensure ongoing communications and support for businesses and individuals who may only consider taking action well after 1 January 2021, such as when Covid-19 travel restrictions are eased. 6 Whitehall preparations for EU Exit