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Fuel and dry food have been stockpiled by the city council ahead of Brexit, it has been revealed.

Mitigation plans for the impact a no-deal Brexit could have are already in place, and have been for several months.

Now, the deputy leader of the council has revealed it has stepped up this planning.

This has included filling its fuel depot, allowing three weeks of supplies in case of fuel shortages.

It has also now bought non-perishable food for its school dinners and meals on wheels services.

But Sally Longford, the deputy leader of the Labour-run council, has said she still hopes the Government will be able to get a deal before October 31.

She said those least well-off in the city would be hit hardest by it.

The revelation came after a question was asked at the full council meeting this afternoon as to what the council is doing to prepare for a no-deal Brexit, and what damage it thinks it could do.

Councillor Longford, who represents Lenton and Wollaton East for Labour said: “I’m very frustrated by the current Government’s flippant attitude, which suggests that a no deal Brexit was caused by ‘bumps in the road’.

“It strikes me that if you’re driving a Bentley you hardly notice a bump in the road.

“It’s a bit different if you’re driving a car that’s only just scraped through its MOT.

“The government’s reasonable worst case scenarios, which are not predictions but potential outcomes that are being planned for have been examined in detail.

"The Government’s projection shows possible disruption to a supply chain due to delays at the point of entry.

"For food, the assessment states that there will be no overall shortage in food, but there could be a reduction in choice, particularly of fresh fruits and vegetables.

“There is a possibility of increasing prices that will disproportionately affect our low-income households.

“In Nottingham, plans are in place to ensure the impact on schools catering is mitigated through the stockpiling of non-perishable goods, and alternative menus based on what is available are being prepared.

"Similar mitigation is in place for our meals at home service, which provides for vulnerable people in their homes.

“We are maintaining our maximum fuel storage capacity, which will allow continuation of council services for up to three weeks.

“Plans are in place across the council that identify priority users, and the services which may need access to these reserves should they arise.”

The Government has said it remains confident of striking a deal before the UK leaves on October 31.