Greater Manchester has until midday to agree a Tier 3 deal with the Government

The government have give local leaders in Greater Manchester until noon to reach an agreement about entering Tier 3.

The stricter lockdown rules would mean pubs and bars would have to close unless they serve 'substantial meals' like a restaurant. 

It would also mean residents would, yet again, be unable to meet anybody outside their household indoors or out. 

Closures of gyms is also on the cards, but Lancashire's deal means they're allowed to stay open there. 

Mayor Andy Burnham has been opposing the restrictions unless more money is agreed for low paid workers. He said that Rishi Sunak's 67% pay for people in 'very high risk' areas "will not be enough".

Yesterday (Monday) the region was reportedly offered ten of millions of pounds to move into the highest Tier, but Burnham said he would not "roll over at the sight of a cheque".

He's admitted he may not have a choice in talks today though:

"We wouldn't break the law. We've never said that we would.

"We would obviously have to accept that decision. In the end it's the government's prerogative."

Housing and Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick's warned the Prime Minister would have to intervene if no agreement's reached this morning.

A statement from Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Health Lead was released last night:

“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.

“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.

“Finally, we are disappointed that the Government has today sought to raise public concern about the NHS in Greater Manchester with selective statistics.

“Greater Manchester’s ICU occupancy rate is not abnormal for this time of year and is comparable to the occupancy rate in October 2019. Also, providing information about individual hospitals does not reflect that our hospitals work as a system to manage demand.

“We are not complacent about the position in our hospitals and are monitoring the situation closely. But in the current situation, we believe it is essential that our residents are given clear, accurate information about the state of the NHS in Greater Manchester and that public fears are not raised unnecessarily.”

Labour’s Deputy Leader Angela Rayner, has given her full backing to the position of the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and the Council leaders who are standing up for more support for their communities while the government threatens to impose tier three restrictions on the area. 

Labour’s Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner MP, said:

“It is clear that the government has treated our communities in Greater Manchester and the North West with contempt and lost the faith of the public.

“Thank you to Andy Burnham, our local leaders, businesses and everyone demanding a fair deal for our people.

“The government's approach is deeply misguided. We need a 2-3 week circuit breaker and proper support for people, jobs and businesses.”

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