The UK Government intended to close its consultation on UK Freeports on April 20, due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic this will be extended.
The consultation laying out the government’s vision for UK Freeports was published on 10 February, it will now close on 13 July.
In a statement from HM Treasury on 8 April the government said, “We are grateful for the responses we have already received.”
“The government recognises that key sectors with an interest in this policy, including ports, businesses, and local government, are presently facing disruption as a result of COVID-19. We want to give all stakeholders time to submit their views.”
Technical Paper: Are Freeports the way forward?
The government will consider a further extension if we feel stakeholders have not had adequate opportunity to fully engage with the consultation before 13 July.
These changes will allow businesses and communities across the UK to fully engage with the consultation, and ensure that the new Freeports are grounded in local needs and ambitions.