Sheffield to move into Tier 3 with Dan Jarvis set to make major announcement TODAY

Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News this morning that ‘very productive’ conversations have taken place with the mayor of Sheffield Dan Jarvis.

“Those discussions are coming to a conclusion this morning, I hope,” he said.

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When it was put to Mr Jenrick that it sounded like Sheffield and South Yorkshire would be going into Tier 3, he added: “It’s not right for me to pre-empt a full statement that the Prime Minister and Dan Jarvis will make later today.

“But we have had very successful conversations with him and with the leaders of South Yorkshire.

“Again there’s a serious situation there, and rightly they wanted to take action.

“We’ve discussed that over the course of yesterday and early this morning and an announcement will be made shortly.”

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Mr Jarvis tweeted last night that he was ready to work with the Government but it had not yet offered enough support.

A spokesperson said: “Mayor Dan Jarvis, the leaders of South Yorkshire’s local authorities and the Government have been in extensive and constructive talks over the coronavirus alert level for the region.

“These talks continue as all sides seek to agree a plan which will protect lives, jobs and our NHS. Full details will be announced as soon as the restrictions and guidance are confirmed.”

Communities Secretary Mr Jenrick said it was ‘a great shame’ that the Government had been unable to reach an agreement for Tier 3 financial support with leaders in Greater Manchester after having tried ‘extremely hard’.

He told Sky News the clear public advice he received was that Greater Manchester was facing ‘a serious and deteriorating situation’, and that the Government needed to act.

“We probably in honesty should have acted a few days ago but we hadn’t been able to reach an agreement with the mayor of Greater Manchester,” he said.

“The mayor and local leaders were not willing to agree to the package of support that we wanted to put in place.”

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.