EUROPEAN Union nationals living in the Cotswolds have been urged to protect their rights by applying to the EU Settlement Scheme before it is too late.

All EU, European Economic Area or Swiss citizens, and their family members (including non-EU citizens) who live in the UK must apply to the scheme by the end of this month or they will not be able to work in the UK or rent a house.

People must have been a UK resident before December 31 last year to be eligible.

The scheme, which is part of the UK’s new post-Brexit immigration system, offers citizens of the 27 EU member states, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, the right to keep living and working in the UK as they did when the country was part of the EU.

Applications are free but must be submitted by the deadline of June 30.

To check if you need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, visit the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme webpage (https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/eligibility?step-by-step-nav=0c79b832-75de-4854-8154-d62774a8dfb8#content).

If you need to apply, each family member must complete an application. This includes children and anyone under the age of 21.

Vulnerable residents can get help with their applications by visiting the EUSS support webpage (gov.uk/help-eu-settlement-scheme).