Wakefield Conservatives react to government's Tier 3 decision

The area will be subject to the toughest possible restrictions on public life when England comes out of lockdown next week.

The local Tories, who are the leading opposition party on the district's Labour-run council, said they would "lobby government for increased financial assistance" for industries hit hardest by the pandemic.

In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, the group said it was, 'saddened by the news that our district will be placed alongside all West Yorkshire councils into the very high Tier 3 category'.

It added: "We appreciate the alarm and dismay that this will pose for our local businesses especially the hospitality sector at this time.

"We appreciate that these very difficult decisions are never taken lightly and that they are always taken after careful consideration and in light of the very best medical and scientific advice.

"Residents can also rest assured that the Conservative group will continue to lobby the government for increased financial assistance for those hard pressed sectors and will continue their dialogue with the local business community to get the right measures applied and to ensure that they are proportionate to each areas needs."

West Yorkshire leaders had been told they'd be handed a £60m financial package to help them cope with Tier 3 restrictions when they were expected to be imposed at the start of November.

That didn't happen, however, as England was placed in lockdown before the move could be put into practice.

Wakefield's Conservatives hold 11 of the local council's 63 seats.

Local Democracy Reporting Service