Rival politicians unite to call for "local lockdown lifeline" as Sheffield City Region heads towards Tier 3
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That is the message from both Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians to the Government as the region, which is currently in Tier 2, veers towards Tier 3 restrictions.
Tier 3 restrictions, the “very high” alert level, will mean, at a minimum, the closure of pubs and bars and a ban on social mixing indoors and in private gardens.
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Hide AdSheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis and the four council leaders Sir Steve Houghton, Mayor Ros Jones, Coun Chris Read and Coun Julie Dore have written to the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, Sheffield Lib Dem Leader Coun Shaffaq Mohammed and Lord Paul Scriven have also signed an open letter from their party.
Labour's letter says there needs to be support for the region's economy ahead of additional local restrictions or there will be potentially dire consequences for lives, jobs and businesses.
The letter says: "Before additional restrictions come into force, we are calling for a local lockdown lifeline.
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Hide Ad"This means ensuring we have the resources, powers and investment we need to protect jobs and the economy in both the short and long term. This will also ensure we have a clear route out of local restrictions, so we can get on with the job of rebuilding our economy and society."
The Lib Dems' letter says: "Millions of people across the north have been living under local restrictions for months but infection rates are still rising.
"Clearly, with case numbers and hospital admissions rising rapidly, urgent action is needed. We are calling on the government to act rapidly and constructively with local political leaders who are grounded in communities."
Labour has called for an "immediate injection of funding and cast-iron guarantee" that shortfalls will be underwritten.
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Hide AdIt wants a targeted support package for businesses in the hospitality, leisure and recreation sectors, including flexible grants administered through local councils and further business rates concessions.
Both Labour and the Lib Dems say the furlough scheme should be extended and there should be support for people self isolating or who have had their hours cut with restrictions.
The Lib Dems say people living in care should be kept safe while children and students need support to continue their education.