On Thursday (17 December), the Health Secretary, the Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP, announced in a statement to the House of Commons that Derbyshire will remain under Tier 3 restrictions.
Across the country, only Bristol has been taken out of Tier 3 and large parts of the South have now been put into Tier 3, including London. This follows steps being taken by other countries across the world.
Latest figures show that there has been an increase in cases over the last few days in High Peak. In particular, Buxton has seen a big rise in cases, representing the highest number of cases in the borough. The rolling rate of 321.3 in Buxton South & East is higher than the national average. Sizeable increases have also been seen in Gamesley and Hadfield.
However, cases are continuing to fall in other parts of High Peak, including Chinley and Whaley Bridge. Overall, High Peak is still below the national average, and the High Peak MP has consistently made the case that High Peak should leave Tier 3 restrictions as soon as possible.
Since rebelling against the Government’s decision to put High Peak under Tier 3 restrictions, Robert Largan MP has continued to make this case and call for more support for High Peak pubs, restaurants, hotels and other small businesses.
During Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Questions on Tuesday (15 December), the High Peak MP asked Paul Scully MP, the Small Business Minister:
“In High Peak, we are lucky to have the best pubs, restaurants, hotels and small businesses anywhere in the country. However, these businesses, by their very nature, are highly seasonal and many of them depend heavily on the busy Christmas period. Unfortunately, despite having a case rate lower than the national average, High Peak is in tier 3. Can my hon. Friend make representations to his ministerial colleagues about getting High Peak out of tier 3 as fast as possible, and make certain that as much support as possible is provided to the affected businesses?”
In a question to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Robert Largan MP again raised the need to support local businesses under Tier 3 restrictions during Cabinet Office Questions on Thursday morning (17 December).
Robert Largan MP commented:
“I am very disappointed that High Peak and the rest of Derbyshire will remain under Tier 3 restrictions. The Government will shortly be publishing the data behind the decision and I will be scrutinising it closely.
“However, High Peak is still below the national average, and I have consistently made the case that High Peak should leave Tier 3 restrictions as soon as possible, including earlier today in the House of Commons at Cabinet Office Questions.
“That is why I voted against putting High Peak into Tier 3 restrictions earlier this month. I will continue to make this case and call for more support for High Peak pubs, restaurants, hotels, and other small businesses.
“If you need help or support, as always, drop me an email on [email protected].
“In the meantime, I strongly encourage everyone to follow the rules and help keep each other safe. The vaccine is being rolled out now and there is light at the end of the tunnel. We will get through this crisis, together.”
