Greater Manchester to head into Tier 3 on Friday

The Prime Minister has announced that Greater Manchester the government is imposing Tier 3 on Greater Manchester from Friday (23rd October).

It comes after no agreement could be made with local leaders about how and when Greater Manchester would enter the tougher restrictions.

Boris Johnson said the region will receive £22 million pounds in extra funding to go into "very high risk" restrictions from 00:01 on Friday - which the Deputy Mayor first heard and read out during the local press conference this afternoon from his phone.

Andy Burnham has been calling for more financial support for low paid workers after he said Rishi Sunak's package that would offer 67% of workers wages would not be enough. 

Andy Burnham said that the Government walked away from negotiations at 2pm. 

"In summary, at no point today were we offered enough to protect the lowest paid people in our communities through the punicishing reality of the winter to come."

He said he would still be willing to do a deal with the Government but added:

"It cannot be on the terms that the government offered today because on those terms I could not meet the commitments I made to people on the lowest incomes, the people who are self employed, to the freelancers in this city who need our support. 

"I don't think it is right to ask people to go into a lockdown, to accept further changes within their lives without supporting them through."

So what does Tier 3 mean for Greater Manchester?

• Pubs and bars will have to close - unless they serve 'substantial meals'
• Households can't mix indoors or in most outdoor settings
• In some public outdoor spaces, groups will be limited to the rule of 6
• Travel in and out of the area is strongly advised against
• Casinos, bingo halls, betting shops, adult gaming centres and soft play areas will also have to shut 

Boris Johnson said:

"I know these restrictions are tough both on businesses and individuals.

"But that's why we're also enacting a comprehensive package of support.

"The job support scheme ensures those affected by business closures are still paid and once you top that up with Universal Credit, those on low incomes will receive at least 80% of their normal income.

"We've made available up to £465 million to help local authorities implement and enforce restrictions.

"We will work with local authorities to allocate testing and introduce local contact tracing.

"Over the last 10 days we've tried to get an approach with local leaders in Greater Manchester, a joint approach, unfortunately an agreement wasn't reached and I do regret this.

"We would have a better chance of beating the virus if we work together.

"In addition to the support outlined, we made a generous and extensive offer to support Manchester's business. This offer was proportionate to the support we've given Merseyside and Lancashire. The Mayor didn't accept this unfortunately and given the public health situation I must proceed with moving Greater Manchester to the very high alert level. 

"Because not to act would put Manchester's NHS and the lives of many of Manchester's residents at risk.

"Despite the failure to reach an agreement, I hope the Mayor and council leaders in Greater Manchester will now work with us to implement these measures."

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