MPs urge Government to give more support as Sheffield remains in Tier 3

Sheffield Hallam MP Olivia Blake said it was “incredibly frustrating” that the decision had been made solely by central government, with local politicians excluded.

“When decisions are being made about our communities – especially those that can make or break local businesses – it is only right that local leaders should be able to advocate for our communities,” she said.

“With infection rates and the number of patients in hospitals as high as they are, this decision does not come as a surprise.

“However, there is still so much more the Government should be doing – in providing support to help our communities and our businesses get through this period, in increasing statutory sick pay and giving our NHS the resources it needs.

“With the first vaccinations having been carried out across our region there is a clear end in sight.

“Until then we need to do all we can to minimise a third spike of the virus, which includes exercising caution over the Christmas period and not mixing with larger numbers of people gathering in small enclosed spaces.”

Sheffield Heeley MP Louise Haigh said it was “desperately disappointing” as people had worked hard to get the virus under control.

She added: “Clearly rates and numbers of hospitalisations means we cannot relax the restrictions and must keep going.

“We need more support for those industries like hospitality that have been hit hardest and for many people who have never received any support throughout the pandemic and the government still hasn’t got a grip on their disastrous Serco-led test and trace system.

“Until they do, sadly restrictions on our contacts will have to remain in place to keep infection rates down.”

Clive Betts, MP for Sheffield South East, also called for the Government to give more help to the hospitality industry.

“The infection rate has come down and it is as low as some areas in Tier 2 but the problem is hospital bed occupancy is still a real concern.

“We had an MPs briefing which said after a small fall, the numbers have gone back up again to a high level and it’s not safe to bring in any relaxations because ultimately that will mean other operations are cancelled.

“I will however be keeping pressure on the Government to help the hospitality industry because they are really going to support. They made a lot of their money at this time of year and it will be devastating. The Government definitely needs to give a lot more support to ensure we still have a hospitality industry at the end of this.”

Gill Furniss, MP for Hillsborough and Brightside, added: "I know how disappointing it is to see Sheffield remain under tier 3 restrictions until at least the end of the year. I will keep fighting for better support for people and businesses in our area and urge everyone to keep following the rules."

And Miriam Cates, Conservative MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said she had asked ministers to move the region down to Tier 2.

“I know that this is very disappointing for many of us and will continue to put pressure on businesses and families across South Yorkshire.

“Over recent weeks I have been representing constituents’ views to ministers, and last week I wrote to Matt Hancock asking that South Yorkshire be moved down to Tier 2 as soon as possible.

“Unfortunately, the current data suggests that it isn’t yet safe to do this, but I have been reassured that at the next review, in two weeks time, a new decision will be made based on the latest evidence.

“Although infection rates are much lower than they were, the levels are still too high. Regrettably it seems that relaxing the restrictions now could put all our hard work at risk, and the last thing we want is to give the virus the opportunity to spread again and overwhelm our hospitals.

“However, with the vaccine now being rolled out across the region and advances in community testing, there are reasons for optimism.

“If we continue to follow the guidance and infections fall further, we have every chance of seeing the restrictions relaxed at the earliest opportunity.”

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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.