Hartlepool council chief accuses Government of trying to ‘almost trying to bribe' town give up freedoms and to move into Tier 3 covid restrictions

It came as councillors on Hartlepool Borough Council Finance and Police Committee stressed the importance of supporting businesses as they face continued tough times due to the impact of Covid-19.

Cllr Shane Moore, council leader, said under the current Tier 2 guidelines businesses are being hit unfairly, with no financial assistance from the Government on offer.

RELATED: Hartlepool's council leader says he will tell Government to 'sod off' over moving into tier 3

He added a move to Tier 3 would see the Government provide some additional funding to businesses, but residents would ‘lose even more of their liberties’.

This is due to Tier 3 involving closure of venues such as pubs and gyms and even greater restrictions on mixing with other households.

Cllr Moore said: “Unfortunately we’re in kind of a perverse situation where in Tier 2 some of our businesses are being hit unfairly but they’re not getting any financial assistance from the Government.

“If we were to go into Tier 3 some of our businesses would get some additional funding but then the general public lose even more of their liberties and are effectively locked down.

“It’s a terrible balancing act and unfortunately the way that the current system is set up, it’s almost like central Government are trying to bribe authorities into going into Tier 3 because it’s the only way they will give any assistance to local businesses, and it’s a terrible terrible situation to be in to be honest.”

Posting after the meeting on Facebook on October 19, Cllr Moore said his position remains the same, and Hartlepool will not engage in talks to move into Tier 3 without ‘strong evidence’ the current restrictions are not working.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen also confirmed ‘there are no imminent plans’ to move the area into Tier 3.

Cllr Mike Young, deputy council leader, speaking at the finance and policy committee meeting, said the local authority has to do everything it can to help businesses in the area.

He said: “What we need to be realistic about is regardless of Tier 2 or Tier 3 businesses can’t see tomorrow.

“Businesses are just left to their own devices at a time where footfall is down to even as low as 5% of their usual people walking through the door.

“The Government must do better but even as a local authority there are surely ways that we can make progress and support those businesses.

“I really feel like we are entering a very bizarre phase, and I know other towns and cities will be feeling the same, where there will be nothing left to rescue, and I think that’s a sad fact.”

Cllr Moore added it is therefore important that everyone ‘rallys round’ small businesses open in Hartlepool, which will be Covid-19 safe, and visits them.

He said: “Even if it’s just £5 extra a week spending in a local independent shop, that’s going to protect jobs, protect our local economy, and keep these businesses ticking over.”

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