Covid measures “must not be at the cost of business” argues Northumberland council leader

Covid restrictions must not be imposed “at the cost of business”, according to bosses in Northumberland
Northumberland council leader Glen Sanderson.Northumberland council leader Glen Sanderson.
Northumberland council leader Glen Sanderson.

Boris Johnson claimed he has ruled out imposing any further Covid restrictions on top of “Plan B” before Christmas Day.

But with many firms already feeling the pinch as large sections of the public self-moderate their behaviour in the run up to the holiday, it has prompted re-think by ministers, with cash grants of up to £6,000 per premises to be made available for eligible companies.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The most important thing is that we look after people’s health and keep people safe,” said Glen Sanderson, the leader of Northumberland County Council.

“And if that means more in the way of restrictions, then unfortunately we will have to look at that, but it must not be at the cost of business and I’m sure the government understands that.

“Our first duty is to listen to public health experts locally and work together locally.”

Despite calls for new restrictions, ministers have opted to stay their current course, instead urging the public to “act cautiously”, by limiting gatherings, wearing face coverings and “all the usual stuff about washing hands”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But following the pressure, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled a £1 billion to prop up the hospitality sector, as well as further cash for theatres and museums.

The Night Time Industries Association, a trade body, has called for a “business booster” to rescue a sector “teetering on the brink of financial ruin” as a result of cancelled Christmas bookings.

The county council’s Labour opposition leader, Scott Dickinson, slammed government “idiots who can’t follow their own guidance” and agreed with Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon that previous cash handouts to keep businesses afloat during the pandemic would have been for nothing if more is not forthcoming.

He said: “Northumberland people have worked really hard to keep other Northumberland people safe.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’ve been let down by everything which has happened nationally, but to keep those people safe we now almost have to ignore what’s going on in the government and just continue to be as sensible as possible.

“If more restrictions come in, we must do our best to follow them.”

He added: “The government has to accept that their muddying of the information if having an impact, whether they like it or not.”