SOUTHAMPTON is to be given a slice of a new £9 million government pot aimed at helping cities with major sea and air ports prepare for Brexit.

The city council is set to be given £150,000 from the new funding pot, announced yesterday by the The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The government say the funding can be used by local areas to support the development of “robust Brexit plans for their areas” This includes funding preparedness activities and additional staffing costs.

The extra funding follows a £20 million boost for councils announced in August.

Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “From keeping our supply chains running and ensuring goods continue to flow into the country, to putting robust plans in place for every community, local government is playing a vital role in preparing the country to be fully ready to leave the EU on 31 October.

“We have stepped up our preparedness significantly in recent weeks, including by asking every council to appoint a Brexit Lead Officer.

“Now we are releasing an additional £9 million of additional funding today to help local areas get ready for Brexit, whatever the circumstances.”

Leader of neighbouring Portsmouth City Council criticised the announcement as “too little, too late”, while Southampton City Council leader Chris Hammond was unavailable for comment.

A spokesperson for DP World’s said its facilities already had the customs clearance, inspection facilities and infrastructure in place to keep trade flowing.

A spokesperson for ABP, said: “We welcome the news of this investment and we continue to work with all government and industry stakeholders to make sure that trade can flow, post Brexit.”