Statement on Lincolnshire’s Tier 3 Classification by Gareth Davies MP
Yesterday the Government announced that when we come out of a national lockdown on the 2nd December, Lincolnshire as a whole will enter the new tier system at level 3. We will join over 23 million other people across the country, and the vast majority of our region, in entering this level.
While unlike the national restrictions we are currently experiencing, we will thankfully now see gyms, amateur sports such as golf, retail shops, hairdressers, beauticians and churches reopen. However, our bars, pubs and restaurants will remain closed under Tier 3 – still only able to operate takeaway services. You can access more information on what this means in terms of local restrictions here: https://www.gov.uk/.../local-restriction-tiers-what-you...
Like me, I know many will be extremely disappointed by this when we had all hoped that we might have emerged out of national lockdown into a tier that reflects the fact that our district rate is in decline. South Kesteven has a rate of 187.5 cases per 100,000.
The reason for our local tier classification is apparently our surrounding districts that have caused us to be put into the highest bracket at this time. This is particularly the case in East Lindsey and Boston which have rates of 470 and 439 respectively, making them some of the worst hit areas in the whole country.
For the past two weeks I have worked extremely hard to lobby Ministers and officials that tiers should be determined by district, rather than county area.
Lincolnshire is one of the largest counties in the United Kingdom with large distances between areas. Undoubtedly there are problems occurring in the north east of our county, but generally we are seeing declining infection rates, showing very clearly that most of our residents have acted responsibly, followed the rules and helped us reduce the rates.
I raised my concerns about implementing restrictions at county level directly with the Prime Minister on behalf of our community a couple of weeks ago. I have also held discussions with Department of Health Ministers and officials, including directly with the Health Secretary, in the run up to this announcement and I am very disappointed that my continuous efforts have not been successful.
Now that this decision has been made, I will be speaking with Department of Health colleagues to ask for a more detailed explanation for placing us in Tier 3 and the county-wide approach. I also want to learn more about the plans for mass testing and how that will help bring rates down.
You can access the Health Secretary’s statement and broad rationale given by officials for Lincolnshire’s tier here: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map
I am very concerned about our local businesses, please be aware though that the furlough scheme is available to help with staffing costs and businesses being made to close can apply for a grant of up to £3,000 a month to help cover rent and other costs. VAT for hospitality remains cut by 15% and there are VAT deferrals available. I realise that none of this is the same as being properly open. For more information on the Government’s financial support package for affected businesses please visit: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
RECAP - FROM 2 DECEMBER IN LINCS:
all retail can OPEN
hairdressers and beauty salons OPEN
outdoor sport OPEN
gyms and other leisure facilities OPEN
rule of six outdoors
places of worship OPEN
weddings can take place
stay at home message over
