South Yorkshire mayor claims he 'drove a hard-bargain' on Tier 3 funds despite 'take it or leave it deal'

The Sheffield City Region will receive £30 million in economic support for business and a further £11 million for Test and Trace.

But the deal was described as a ‘take it or leave it’ standard package’ by Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts in the House of Commons.

Mayor Jarvis did not reveal the sum the city region asked for from Government but said he was ‘confident they couldn’t have got any more money’.

“I drove a hard-bargain and did as much as I possibly could to secure that amount of money which gives us the opportunity to give quite significant support to a range of different businesses,” Mayor Jarvis said.

“I’ve never given a running commentary on the negotiations but I’m confident that we could not have secured more money.

“Colleagues are right to call upon Government to do more, I want them to do more, I want them to provide more financial assistance and support in other ways.

“The truth of the matter is we will enter Tier 3 for the right reasons to reduce the rate of infection but what we’ve got to do now is move heaven and earth to drive down the infection rate so we spend the minimum amount of time possible in Tier 3 - that is a team effort with our councils, NHS and other partners.

“But people can be rest assured I will continue to make the case for more resources for South Yorkshire.”

The mayor confirmed activities like Sunday League football would have to stop and said it was a 'deep regret'.

On the economic support of £30 million, Mayor Jarvis said this would be handed out as quickly as possible to those affected by the restrictions.

“It will be allocated by our councils and they’re working at pace to best look at how to deploy that money for the maximum benefit of our businesses,” he said.

“I completely understand the urgency of getting that support out there as quickly as possible. Our businesses are under huge pressure and will continue to be so in the near future particularly in hospitality and leisure.”