Leeds Council still ‘in discussions’ with government over future Leeds lockdown

Leeds City Council has insisted it is still “in discussions” with the Government, despite an announcement for new lockdown rules on nearby York earlier today.
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It follows comments by a Leeds MP yesterday, insisting the council was at “breaking point”, and needed extra financial support from Government to help deliver services and compensate business owners who will be affected by the lockdown.

Speculation as to whether Leeds will enter so-called “tier 3” lockdown rules have been rife this week as the city’s Covid infection rate continues to increase.

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And despite since-discredited reports that Manchester would be included in the strictest measures, Liverpool is as yet the only area in the country subject to them.

Leeds remains under "tier 2" of the government's new alert system. (Pic: Adobestock)Leeds remains under "tier 2" of the government's new alert system. (Pic: Adobestock)
Leeds remains under "tier 2" of the government's new alert system. (Pic: Adobestock)

Leeds City Council said yesterday that discussions with Government would take place towards the end of this week. When asked if any progress had been made today, a council spokesperson said: “Discussions with government are continuing.”

It follows the announcement on Monday that Leeds would be placed into “tier 2” of the UK’s new lockdown rules, which forbids different households from meeting indoors.

Earlier today, York Outer MP Julian Sturdy was told that the city was being placed in Tier 2 under the new Covid-19 alert system.

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Speaking yesterday, Leeds Northwest MP Alex Sobel called on the Government to provide more funding to local authorities to plug financial gaps created by Covid restrictions.

He said: “Our council is at breaking point, now having to make harsh decisions on what services will be cut due to a deficit of £120m from central government. Within my own constituency of Leeds North West, it would appear that they may include Yeadon Sailing Centre and the household recycling centre in Otley.

“It is imperative that the Government step up to the mark and provide the necessary restrictions based on the science to protect lives, along with a fully supportive financial recovery package that saves businesses, jobs and our councils from having to cut or close vital services within the community. The impact of getting this wrong will be astronomical to our city.”