The midday deadline has passed for Tier-3 restrictions negotiations, with there being no deal agreed between local leaders and the government.
This comes after Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham had called for more support from the government for low paid workers and small businesses.
I have fought for the ability to support low-paid people and businesses who will be most harmed by Tier 3 closures. Simple as that. Please don’t misrepresent my position. https://t.co/qh9dQ7E8KY
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) October 20, 2020
If no agreement is reached, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick says the prime minister would be forced to intervene.
Mr Jenrick had also said leaders in Greater Manchester had also been “unwilling to take the action that is required to get this situation under control”.
Although Greater Manchester is currently in Tier-2, case rates are similar to those in Lancashire and Liverpool, who are both in Tier-3 restrictions.
On Monday, mayor Andy Burnham and Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Health Lead, had said in a press release: “We went into today’s meeting with the Government with a positive and unanimous view amongst Greater Manchester Leaders that we should seek a resolution as soon as possible.
They continued: “We had been encouraged by earlier discussions at an official level where the idea of a Hardship Fund, to top up furlough payments and support the self-employed, had been tabled by the Government.
“It was both surprising and disappointing when this idea was taken off the table by the Secretary of State.
“We are appreciative of discussions resuming later this afternoon at officials level and very much hope this will lead to a positive outcome.
“This evening we have written to the Prime Minister reiterating our willingness to continue to work towards an agreement but reminding him that Greater Manchester has been in Tier-2 style restrictions for almost three months, and that this has taken a toll on people and businesses here. With this in mind, we do not believe it is in any way unreasonable for us to require better protection for our lowest-paid residents.”
More to follow.
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