South Yorkshire opposition councillors say they are "disappointed" in lack of Tier 3 exit plan

In a joint statement, Sheffield Lib Dem Leader Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, Barnsley Lib Dem Leader Councillor Hannah Kitching and Rotherham Lib Dem Leader Councillor Adam Carter say businesses need to see the criteria for entering and exiting the restrictions.

The statement adds: "We like many people and businesses in South Yorkshire want to ensure that people are kept as safe as possible and disruption to our lives and business are kept proportionate to the challenge we face.

"It is therefore disappointing that the criteria that Dan Jarvis has set both for going into and then coming out of the very high category he still hasn't made public.

"People and businesses need to see and understand this so we can all plan. The real key to dealing with this virus until a vaccine is produced is not stop and start blanket lockdowns but a comprehensive and local test trace and isolate system that can take swift and targeted action to test and isolate individuals who have virus and swiftly trace their contacts who may be positive.

"We are pleased the government have handed over £41 million, including £11 million for public health measures including “Test, Trace & Isolate” and responsibility to the mayor and local councils leaders to implement this.

"We encourage that a “Test, Trace & Isolate” system is the number one priority to be set up urgently as it will get us out of the very high category the fastest, keep local infection rates down and stop the need for such a wide blanket lockdown again in South Yorkshire.

"We know this will be a worrying and anxious time for many and we will do our bit to get South Yorkshire through this and push for that local test trace and isolate system so we can keep us as safe as possible and get businesses back to supporting our economy and jobs."

Following the restriction announcement yesterday (October 21), Dan Jarvis said he had "fought very hard" during "tough negotiations" to secure the best deal possible for South Yorkshire.

The SR Mayor and Barnsley Central MP added: "Government need to tell us what the rate is for anyone in the area to come out of Tier 3.

"We have agreed the principle that no single council area will spend more time in Tier 3 than is absolutely necessary.”

Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones said yesterday that she had campaigned for each local council to be able to come out of the restrictions individually.

Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said that the restrictions will be reviewed in 28 days.

Dan Jarvis' office has been contacted for comment.

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