The UK government has delayed the third and final stage of the post-Brexit border rollout, triggering an angry response from traders, who said ministerial engagement with industry was “totally lacking”.

A waiver on safety and security certificates for goods entering the UK from the EU has been extended by three months to January 31 2025, according to an update published by HM Revenue & Customs on Monday.

The announcement by the UK tax authority marks the latest in a string of delays to the implementation of the country’s post-Brexit border regime. 

Trade representatives said that while they welcomed the waiver extension, the government’s failure to properly engage with industry or offer clear guidance on arrangements with Britain’s largest trading partner had left homegrown businesses at a disadvantage. 

“Constant changes to deadlines cost the industry financially and erode confidence in both the government and our sector in terms of our ability to deliver for customers,” said Nichola Mallon, head of trade at business group Logistics UK. “Engagement with industry has been totally lacking.”

Phil Pluck, chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation, which speaks for the perishable goods trade, said industry had been given “hardly any notice” about the delay. It was “another example of the [government] failing to manage their own workstreams and so pushing the industry into another postponement”, he added.  

As of October 31, safety and security declarations were due to be enforced for all goods imported into the UK from the EU. The declarations, which were initially due to take effect from July 2022, are designed to provide UK authorities with information about goods on their way to Britain and assess their safety before they arrive.  

The scheme is the final step in the implementation of the new border regime, known as the Border Target Operating Model, after health certificates were introduced in January and physical checks began in April.

Anna Jerzewska, an independent trade adviser and chief content officer for consultancy CustomsClear, said the UK could still consider joining the EU’s safety and security zone, which the bloc shares with Norway and Switzerland, thereby avoiding the need for entry and exit summary declarations.

“Over and over again companies that invested in changing their processes to meet upcoming changes, ended up wasting time and money. There were so many instances where companies tried to prepare but ended up worse off,” she said.

Jerzewska added that policy churn made it harder for the government to get businesses to comply. “Companies learn that there is nothing to be gained from trying to be compliant and following government recommendations. This is actually worrying,” she said.

After years of strained relations with the EU under the last Conservative government, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour administration is trying to forge closer ties, including by seeking a veterinary agreement with the bloc that could cut border red tape for agrifood products.

Marco Forgione, director-general of the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, said the professional body recognised it was “early days for the government and the timetable for the implementation for BTOM was not theirs”.

But “announcements like this have got to be made in collaboration and partnership with businesses”, he added.

HMRC said it had “been working closely with ministers to review plans for the introduction of safety and security declarations for EU imports, as well as listening to industry about the time it will take them to prepare”.

“We will continue to engage closely with industry to ensure they are prepared for a smooth transition,” it added.

PUNTERS cannot wait to get their hands on this iconic 90s beer that is set to return – after a 30 year wait.

A blast from the past and one of the nation’s most beloved drinks during the 1950s will be “coming very soon to your favourite pubs” according to the Burton-on Trent brewery.

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Announcing the come back on Instagram, Allsopp’s Beer revealed that Double Diamond has been set to make a return.

The caption of the September 25 post read: “It’s back, and it still works wonders!

“After months of research and trialling recipes to make it perfect, we’ve relaunched Double Diamond.

“Revived as a 3.8% pale ale that drinks like a lager, it’s a delicious, easy-going, sessionable draught beer, coming very soon to your favourite pubs.”

First made in 1876, the new and improved recipe seems to be a hit with punters.

Many have already taken to the comments section to express their joy at the relaunch.

One user commented: “Working wonders!”

Another said: “We tried and can say it’s stunning!! Safe to say we have it in the cellar waiting to come back on!!”

Someone else wrote: “The first beer I had the privilege of tasting in the company of my beloved Grandad, watching match of the day not quite the same these days.”

A fourth put: “Something to look out for.”

Another commented: “Where? Can’t wait to try it out.”

The brewery has revealed Double Diamond will not be their only offering with other old beers to make an appearance.

Drinkers could opt for a pint of Hofmeister, Kestrel Pilsner or Watneys Party Seven keg, all from the same brand.

Those hoping to find other drinks by the brewery could also hop to Allsopp’s Best Bitter.

Marketed at being “perfect for any occasion” the beer has notes of forest fruit, marmalade and biscuit.

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Dutch state-owned electric grid operator Tennet has tapped investment bankers to explore an initial public offering for its large German subsidiary, seeking to sever its links to the capital-hungry business after talks to sell it to Berlin collapsed.

Tennet has lined up bankers at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, ABN Amro and Deutsche Bank to plan a potential listing for the German unit, which could be valued at more than €20bn, according to people familiar with the matter.

The Dutch government has for years tried to sell the German grid operations, as it is reluctant to invest billions of Dutch taxpayers’ money into the modernisation of German electrical infrastructure.

Tennet invested €4.8bn in German infrastructure in 2023, compared with €2.9bn in its home market.

Germany’s energy grids play a key role in the government’s plan to increase the share of renewable energy to 80 per cent by 2030, up from 52 per cent last year.

More decentralised power generation and bigger swings in electricity production mean that grid operators will have to invest billions of euros into energy distribution infrastructure over the coming years.

Big Four firm EY puts the investment needs of all German electricity grids at €281bn by 2030.

A plan to sell the unit to the German government at a €22.5bn enterprise valuation fell through earlier this year.

A stock market listing in Frankfurt for Tennet’s German business could now come as soon as next year, the people said. However, they cautioned that Tennet was still exploring other options such as a stake sale which remained a more likely outcome than an IPO.

Regulated utilities such as grid operators have been popular investment targets for insurance companies and infrastructure investors as they operate in markets with high barriers to entry and generate stable and reliable returns.

Bankers at Lazard have been working with Tennet to weigh options for the German business.

Tennet declined to comment. The Dutch finance ministry, Goldman Sachs, ABN Amro and Deutsche Bank declined to comment. Morgan Stanley and Lazard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

THOUSANDS of low-income families will get the chance to benefit from council funding worth up to £180.

Cash-strapped households could be eligible for the added support after the cost of living crisis – there’s just one thing they’ll need to know.

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Ealing council has been offered £2.6 million to help those in financial need until March.

It is expected that the funding will be the last phase from the government so those strapped for cash will want to check if they’re eligible.

If you’re living in the area and are hoping to nab some extra money to pay for essentials, you don’t need even need to apply.

However, those eligible will need to get their skates on as the clock is ticking for recipients to redeem the vouchers.

Those deemed qualified to receive the payment will be sent a 16 digit code with instructions via email or letter.

The personalised link will need to be claimed via the Blackhawk website which is a trusted partner of the local council.

All of the payments have been offered as vouchers with those eligible for free school meals receiving ones to spend at supermarkets.

Based on low income, those claiming benefit from the scheme will gain either £15 or £30 per child depending on when they were means tested.

If you’re children are not old enough to claim free school meals then there’s no need to fret as you could still be eligible.

Those with kids under five, receiving housing benefit or council tax reduction could find a voucher in their inbox.

Care leavers have also been placed on the list of those to be supported, with Ealing locals receiving £100 per care leaver.

The Household Support Fund has been provided by the Department for Work and Pensions to help those who qualify to be able to afford food and essential items.

Local authorities across the country have been allocated funding from the £421 million pot.

The Sun recently shared a guide and interactive map to help those unsure figure out what they may be able to claim.

Funding applications and eligibility varies between council and so those interested in redeeming support should check with their local authority.