‘Do the right thing’: Sheffield council leader sends bleak warning over £41m Tier 3 package

The South Yorkshire region will be subjected to the highest level restrictions from 00.01am on Saturday, October 24, which prevents people in different households mixing indoors or outdoors and pubs and bars which don’t serve food forced to close.

A total of 1.4 million people in the county are set to be affected by the Tier 3 restrictions, which are said to only be in place for as long as ‘absolutely necessary’ according to Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick.

Local leaders and the Government reached a deal to place Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley under the ‘very high’ level measures with a £41 million funding package to provide extra support.

Sheffield council leader Julie Dore has criticised the money of which £11 million will be spent on track and trace and £30 million for business support as not being enough to support people in need.

In a statement, Councillor Julie Dore urged the Government to increase the support package: “We have asked for a funding package that would allow us to compensate for the failure of the national scheme the government have put forward.

"We asked for significantly greater financial support in addition to the national schemes.

"Whilst government are providing extra funding, they are giving South Yorkshire a standard package of support which they are providing to the areas going into Tier 3 and this and will not allow us to provide the support for people that is needed.

"We will continue to push government to provide enough support for people and businesses as they are now placing us in these measures which will have such serious consequences for the people most impacted.

"It is not too late to do the right thing to support people in Sheffield, South Yorkshire and all the people currently going into Tier 3 across the country and I would plead with government to increase the levels of support they are providing for Tier 3.

“Many people will be fearful of what is to come over the coming months whether it be for the risk of the virus, their place of employment being closed, or the impact on them and their loved ones of the restrictions.

"We can and will get through this but we will only do so by pulling together.

"The Government’s approach at this moment in time will not bring about this togetherness.”

The region has now been placed under the strictest measures due to ‘increasingly concerning’ levels of hospital admissions, the Sheffield council leader confirmed.

Councillor Julie Dore called for the Prime Minister to increase the level of support for people soon to be subjected to Tier 3 restrictions, such as an improved furlough scheme.

She added: "People should be given the same level of support as they were in the national lockdown to help them get through these incredibly challenging times.

"There should be a furlough scheme that matches what was provided before and it is important to remember that many of the jobs involved here are amongst the lowest paid.”

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.