A COUNCIL leader has reassured EU citizens that “Brighton and Hove is your home” ahead of Brexit.

The city council will offer a “free identity checking service” to help residents complete their EU Settlement Scheme applications.

EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland citizens need to apply to the scheme if they want to continue living in the UK.

Leader of the council, Nancy Platts said: “We’re proud that Brighton and Hove is a vibrant and diverse city.

“I want to reassure all EU citizens living in our city that Brighton and Hove is your home and you will always be welcome here.

“If you’re struggling with the application, I encourage you to use our ID checking service and reach out to the organisations who can offer additional help.”

The deadline for applying is June 20 2021 or December 31 2020 if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

The service will be free and drop-in sessions will be available at Brighton Town Hall on weekday mornings between 9.30am and noon, except on Wednesdays when it will open at 10am.

This will allow people to have their ID documents verified. A council spokesman said: “EU citizens have had to deal with uncertainty and anxiety since the referendum and we want to support them through this process.”