Help the hospitality sector to reduce lockdown impact on families from new North East COVID-19 measures, demand Liberal Democrats

Rising Covid infections mean that local action must be taken to avoid a more serious lockdown in the future, but the Liberal Democrats on Newcastle City Council are asking hard questions about the balance of measures imposed at midnight tonight, including household mixing, targeted furlough payments and the use of the Late Night Levy on pubs and clubs.

The Opposition have asked for more clarity on the rationale for closing leisure and hospitality premises between 22:00 and 05:00. They suggest that an earlier closure time for pubs and restaurants would be better to manage busy environments in and around these premises, especially in the City Centre, and say these measures could have allowed less restrictions on families gathering.

Councillor Nick Cott, the Leader of the Opposition and member of the Council's City Futures Board, said: 'We are concerned about the rise in the rate of infections and understand North East Local Authorities' request to introduce stricter measures. The Government's position on the furlough scheme is wrong, and should be extended to help the hospitality sector. Regrettably, the current position forces a significant impact on local families instead.

"We have concerns about the management of household mixing and enforcement of regulations on licenced premises. We are calling on the Police and Crime Commissioner to take steps to address this through the Late Night Levy; the current use of this is entirely ambiguous in the present circumstances. We are pleased to see a comprehensive plan for students coming back to the city to help with promoting safety in the campuses, and within the community. This should help to make a big difference.

"Newcastle City Council will need to make sure the new measures are properly aligned with social distancing measures being put in place across our district centres. We note that there are still stark inequalities in the implementation of social distancing measures across the City, with little yet done in the East and West Ends.

"Overall, we know that the measures will create difficulties for residents across the city. Clear communication and support will be key to promote adherence to the regulations, and we will play our part in supporting our communities. We will continue to scrutinise the impact on the wellbeing of our residents."