South Yorkshire mayor wanted more businesses to stay open

Sheffield City Region mayor Dan Jarvis has claimed he wanted more businesses in South Yorkshire to remain open – but was overruled.
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On Wednesday it was confirmed all four of the region’s local authority areas – Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield – would be placed into Tier 3 following negotiations between the Government and local leaders.

Under the new restrictions, which come into force one minute past midnight on Friday, all pubs and bars must close, unless they are serving “substantial meals” as well as betting shops, adult gaming centres, casinos and soft play centres.

South Yorkshire mayor claims he 'drove a hard-bargain' on Tier 3 funds despite 'take it or leave it deal'

Mayor of the Sheffield City Region Dan Jarvis speaks to the media as South Yorkshire moves into Tier 3 lockdown. Picture: Chris EtchellsMayor of the Sheffield City Region Dan Jarvis speaks to the media as South Yorkshire moves into Tier 3 lockdown. Picture: Chris Etchells
Mayor of the Sheffield City Region Dan Jarvis speaks to the media as South Yorkshire moves into Tier 3 lockdown. Picture: Chris Etchells
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All shops are able to remain open - even those which were classed as 'non-essential' earlier this year.

Mr Jarvis told Radio Sheffield: “Wherever we’ve been able to keep establishments open and trading, then we have done so.

“There were some things that the Government decided to close. So on the list of institutions and organisations that will close we advocated and argued for some of those to stay open but in the end the Government took the view that they wanted to close some of them.”

Mr Jarvis did not say what businesses he wanted to remain open.

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He continued: “Wherever we possibly can, we’ve worked to minimise the impact on the economy but I do completely recognise that this is an extraordinarily challenging time for our businesses, who will be under massive pressure.

“That’s why we thought we needed to get on with this and move quickly, rather than dribble on as we were for a further number of weeks.”