Tier 3 announcement delayed as Tees Valley leaders set for more talks with the Government on Monday

Local leaders in the Tees Valley are said to be ‘thrashing out a package’ of support measures with the Government ahead of a move to the strictest coronavirus rules – but an announcement is not expected until next week.
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Discussions over a move to Tier 3 for the Tees Valley area are set to continue on Monday, November 2 – with no decision expected over the weekend.

In a joint statement, council leaders in the area have revealed that “nothing has been agreed” and that further discussions will be “anticipated” next week.

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Speaking on behalf of the Tees Valley councils, Redcar and Cleveland Council leader Mary Lanigan said: “We are having ongoing discussions with the Government about its intention to take the Tees Valley into Tier Three restrictions.

“Nothing has been agreed and we anticipate further discussions on Monday.

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“We will continue to prioritise the health and wellbeing of our residents, supporting businesses and saving jobs as we press for the best possible outcome for the Tees Valley.”

It follows an tweet from Hartlepool MP Mike Hill on Friday, October 30 who said: "Just finished a meeting with minister. Local leaders are thrashing out a package for the Tees Valley Region right now.

Talks with Tees Valley council leaders are expected to continue on Monday, November 2.Talks with Tees Valley council leaders are expected to continue on Monday, November 2.
Talks with Tees Valley council leaders are expected to continue on Monday, November 2.
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"MPs will be informed of the outcome later today but we are moving towards Tier 3.”

Tees Valley and the North East were placed in Tier 2 (high) coronavirus restrictions when a new system was unveiled by Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this month.

Household mixing is banned in any indoor setting in Tier 2, and the ‘Rule of Six’ applies when meeting those you do not live with outside.

Under Tier 3, household mixing would also be stopped in some outdoor settings, while bars and pubs not serving ‘substantial’ meals would be closed.

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On Thursday, October 29 Councillor Shane Moore, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, confirmed the Government’s intention to place the whole of the Tees Valley under Tier 3; the ‘very high’ Covid alert level.

In a video message, he said the Government had decided on Wednesday to put Tees Valley in Tier 3 ‘as soon as possible’.

Cllr Moore added: “Unfortunately cases elsewhere in the region have spiralled out of control.

"Restrictions weren’t put in in time there and they have got to the point where they cannot control those cases there and the hospital admissions without further interventions.”

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Liverpool City region, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire and Warrington in Cheshire are also under Tier 3.

Leaders elsewhere in the North East are expected to have fresh talks with the Government next week over whether or not a change in restrictions is needed in Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland.

The local authorities – collectively known as LA7 – previously said they would oppose a move into the strictest alert level.

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