When Tier 3 lockdown could be announced in Sheffield as talks continue TODAY

Tweeting about the talks yesterday, Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis said: “Our council leaders and I stand ready to work with the Government, but they have to offer the support we need to protect lives and livelihoods in South Yorkshire.

“They haven’t done that yet.”

He said talks will continue with Downing Street ‘to make sure Covid restrictions and proper support go hand in hand’.

LATEST: The 12 Sheffield areas with highest infection rates as Tier 3 lockdown looms

It has been reported nationally that an announcement about whether South Yorkshire should move into Tier 3 is just days away.

HEALTH: Covid rise in South Yorkshire town 'very worrying' says health chief

Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has written to political leaders in Westminster urging them to help secure a ‘fair financial framework’ for local lockdowns.

Mr Burnham told Boris Johnson, Sir Keir Starmer and other party leaders that ‘this is not just a Greater Manchester issue’ as he called for a consistent new package for Tier 3 restrictions.

Manchester is at risk of being placed in Tier 3 but leaders and the Government are unable to agree on the terms of support available.

Mr Burnham called for a ‘full and fair furlough scheme’ covering 80 per cent of wages or at least the national minimum wage, support for the self-employed and improved compensation for businesses.

“At present, local areas are agreeing individual deals with the Government. It is by no means clear that these will be sufficient to cope with the pressures they will face. Also, the lack of transparency about this process and the risks of differential treatment is potentially divisive,” Mr Burnham said.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick warned civic chiefs in Manchester last night that they have until midday today to reach a deal or face unilateral Government action.

The imposition of Tier 3 controls would mean a ban on households mixing – including in private gardens or outdoor hospitality settings – while pubs and bars will be forced to close unless they serve meals.

So far only Liverpool City Region and Lancashire have come under the tightest restrictions in England – in each case with the agreement of local leaders.

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