Advice for Javea residents as Brexit deadline looms. Costa Blanca News

JAVEA’S British residents flocked to the Javea meeting with Hugh Elliott, the UK’s new ambassador, and consul Sarah-Jane Morris.
Kika Mata, Foreign Residents’ councillor, welcomed the diplomats and the residents whom, she said, could count on the town hall’s support. With Britain scheduled to leave the EU on January 31, the ambassador urged all British residents to register on the municipal Padron and the Central Register for Foreign Nationals.
“Do it now. That is the only way to maintain the rights you have now,” Mr Elliott told the audience. Next year will be one of transition, and the ambassador warned this period will not be extended beyond 2020 but stressed that Britons’ rights to live and work in Spain are guaranteed, as is access to Health assistance and social services.
They would also continue to receive their pensions without problems, Mr Elliott added. The ambassador admitted during the meeting that the position regarding the validity of driving licences issued in the UK is not yet clear.“I’d recommend using the transition year to take out a Spanish driving licence,” he said.
More official information is available from the Help Desk at Javea town hall’s Citizens’ Attention Office or from the consulate in Alicante City.