Sheffield City Council leader fears people will break lockdown rules as they become battle fatigued

Coun Julie Dore says residents are tired and anxious as the nation heads into another lockdown but this time there will be added pressures as winter draws in and job losses start to bite.

She believes social bubbles are harming families and is worried people may break the rules - not to have wild parties, but simply to visit their loved ones.

Coun Dore told the Prime Minister's top civil servant Sir Edward Lister that if the Government stops people's pleasures in life, they will stop following the rules.

"I had a conversation with Sir Edward at Number 10 to pour out my feelings about how Sheffield people are affected and to try to get him to understand the concept of risk and reward.

"If you strip away all their pleasures, people will stop complying. They start to take risks and that may be something as simple as going to their mum's house for a cup of tea.

"I'm concerned about people's tiredness, compliance and their mental health. People have lost their resilience. People go into a crisis mode but can't sustain it forever."

Coun Dore said she was "absolutely adamant" she would lead by example but said she understood how hard a second lockdown would be.

"Social bubbles are harmful. People can't see their families because the bubbles are too restrictive and it's causing harm.

"If you strip away people's basic needs they will take risks. These are human, moral issues."

She said the council was prepared for the second lockdown as systems were now in place to support people.

But she added: "I have concerns about the workforce in general and also the age range for the vulnerable group has been lowered from 70 to 60 so that will affect thousands more people.

"This time of year it's very different as well, we shouldn't underestimate the effect the seasons and the weather can have.

"The financial impact is also hitting people. I've heard from businesses who say they can't see how they are going to get through this again.

"A lot of people have used up their savings and still have to pay back business loans. The grants don't go anywhere near meeting their costs."

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.