Leeds Council 'disappointed' with Government decision for West Yorkshire to remain in Tier 3

Leeds City Council has expressed its "disappointment" that Leeds and West Yorkshire will remain in Tier 3.
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Speaking in the House of Commons, Health Secretary Matt Hanock the “vast majority” of places in Tier 3 restrictions will not be changed, but: “In Bristol and North Somerset rates have come down from 432 per 100,000 to 121 and falling.

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“Bristol and North Somerset will come out of Tier 3 into Tier 2 on Saturday."

The leader of Leeds City Council, Judith Blake, expressed her disappointment but said that she understands the decision.The leader of Leeds City Council, Judith Blake, expressed her disappointment but said that she understands the decision.
The leader of Leeds City Council, Judith Blake, expressed her disappointment but said that she understands the decision.

This means Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Kirklees and Calderdale will remain in the 'Very High' Tier 3 level of restrictions.

In a letter, the leader of Leeds Council, Judith Blake, expressed her disappointment but said that she understands the decision.

Councillor Blake said: "Thank you for all the work you continue to lead right across the city to manage and contain the virus over what had been such an incredibly difficult year.

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"We never fail to be impressed by how people and organisations have come together and looked out for others through these challenging times.

"You might have heard through the government announcement today that Leeds along with the rest of West Yorkshire, continues to be placed in Tier 3 (Very High Alert) of the government’s targeted Covid system.

"Obviously we are very disappointed to be left in Tier 3 particularly when a tier change would have been a welcome relief before Christmas, but we understand that this was a finely balanced decision.

"The infection rate has been stable in recent days, however community transmission remains very dynamic with cases across the whole city.

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"Whilst the number of Covid patients in hospital has dropped, the numbers are still high and regrettably the number of people dying from Covid has continued to rise in recent weeks.

"Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones at this difficult time."

Coun Blake added: "The NHS continues to be under significant pressure treating Covid patients, delivering normal services and managing the vaccination programme, and there are concerns as we head into January and February next year this pressure will increase.

"So now is not the time for complacency - the vaccine of course offers great hope and 3,000 people have already has their first vaccine, with plans for 20,000 people in Leeds to have a first vaccine before Christmas and the major vaccination rollout in early January.

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"Now more than ever we cannot overstate the importance of continuing to adhering to the rules for just a little longer as our position will be reviewed again on 30th December and Leeds could find itself in a better position if the our indicators continue to remain positive. Think hands, face and space.

"The government has given further guidance on the relaxation of the regulations during the 5 days over the Christmas period.

"This allows for families and friends to come together in a Christmas Bubble, and many people are looking forward to this. If you are forming a Christmas bubble, please think about your individual risks and that of your family and friends, take care and do this as safely as possible.

"Follow the advice to keep it small, keep it short and keep it local and think of the vulnerable. We know that many people who have relatives in care and residential homes are so desperate to see their relatives over Christmas, so the council has been working with care home providers and Carers Leeds to help relatives can do this as safely as possible.

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"As Leeds remains in Tier 3, individuals, businesses and organisations in the city continue to feel the negative impact of this pandemic.

"Many people are really struggling with worries about their health and finances. During this next phase, let’s be kind to each other, help each other stay safe and support those who need our help.

"As ever, we will continue to keep you posted with significant developments. We hope you have a break over the Christmas period, and for those who will be working keeping vital services across the city running, thank you. 2021 will be a better year."

A total of 1,100 grants have been issued by the council to businesses which had to close in December, the council said.

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Since November, it has distributed around £170m in grants to local businesses, with grant funding schemes set to be extended.

Plans are in place for venues which predominantly serve alcohol to receive a Christmas support payment with applications going live from early January, the council added.

Current Leeds rates:

The Government used data from December 9 to inform its decision, which showed a sustained improvement in all five key areas it uses as indicators.

In the four-week period leading to December 9, infection rates reduced by 67.2 er cent, test positivity rates reduced by 61.5%, the infection rate in over 60s reduced by 67.1 per cent and Covid-19 patients in hospital reduced by 45.2 per cent.

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Hospital capacity remains a concern due to the significant role Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust plays across the broader area.

Leeds City Council made a strong argument to be placed into Tier 2 based on these factors but accepts it is a finely balanced judgement.