As more places in England are expected to move into the highest category of coronavirus restrictions over the coming days and weeks, West Yorkshire could be next.

South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester are set to join Lancashire and the Liverpool City Region in the Tier 3 category - also known as the “very high” alert level - but West Yorkshire leaders have claimed that there is "not a case" for West Yorkshire to leave Tier 2.

The local leaders said they had not met Government Ministers, but this afternoon it has been reported by the Press Association that discussions have taken place about moving West Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire into the highest category of restrictions.

There were 332.5 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in West Yorkshire for the week to October 16, up from 317.3 the previous week.

In Bradford this figure is higher, at 370.5 per 100,000, or 2,000 new cases in total, and the district is ranked second highest in the county after Leeds.

In what could be a sign of how some MPs in the area may react to new restrictions, Tracy Brabin, Labour MP for Batley & Spen, said the Government is treating the North “with contempt”, and has launched an online petition with the headline “No funding, no Tier 3”.

In a tweet this week, she expressed solidarity with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, and said: “Ministers cannot continue to run rough shod over the North.”

The leader of Bradford Council has also announced that she will "stand alongside Greater Manchester" to protect the Bradford district's economy and people's health.

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe has signed her name alongside a long list of Northern leaders calling for a package of measures to improve test, track and isolate as well as provide clarity on the tiered alert system.

New measures will be imposed in the Manchester region from Friday, and the South Yorkshire Tier 3 restrictions will come into force on Saturday.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

So, what are the restrictions if your area is in Tier 3?

Around 2.8 million people in Greater Manchester and 1.4 million in South Yorkshire will join some 3.1 million in Lancashire and the Liverpool City Region under the most severe restrictions, as the only four areas of England currently under Tier 3.

  • Social mixing - In all these areas, social mixing is banned both indoors and in private gardens. The rule of six applies in some outdoor settings such as parks, public gardens and sports courts. This is the same as for Tier 2 areas.
  • Pubs and bars - Pubs and bars must close unless they can operate as a restaurant.
  • Local leaders help the Government to determine whether other venues should be closed. Today some amendments have been made to the rules in Liverpool to bring them into line with those in other 'very high' alert level areas.
  • Gyms and soft play - Indoor gyms and fitness studios were forced to shut, alongside sports facilities, leisure centres, but this decision has now been overturned in line with restrictions in Lancashire and Greater Manchester, where gyms can stay open. However, soft play areas have been made to close, where they could open previously in Liverpool.
  • Bookies, bingo and casinos - Betting shops, adult gaming centres, bingo halls and casinos have been shut.
  • Shops, places of worship and schools - Shops and places of worship can remain open, as can schools and colleges, while universities must reflect wider restrictions with the option to move to greater online provision.
  • Weddings and funerals - Up to 15 guests are allowed at weddings and 30 people can attend funerals, with 15 allowed at wakes, but wedding receptions are not permitted.
  • Moving around the country - People living in Tier 3 areas are advised against overnight stays in other parts of the UK and should avoid travel where possible in and out of the area, unless it is for work, education or caring responsibilities.
  • Work meetings - Number 10 has confirmed that, under Tier 2 and 3 rules on household mixing, people can still meet up for work meetings indoors under certain circumstances.

What financial help is on offer for areas in Tier 3?

In South Yorkshire, the package of support agreed includes £11 million to invest in a localised test and trace system – equivalent to around £8 per capita.

A further £30 million of support for businesses affected by the restrictions, as well as their employees, will be offered. This equates to approximately £22 per capita.

In Greater Manchester, a row over the financial support meant agreement was not reached between Westminster and local leaders before the Government announced Tier 3 measures were to be imposed.

Civic leaders wanted a minimum of £65 million to support the region’s 2.8 million people, but Boris Johnson refused to offer more than £60 million.

The Prime Minister confirmed to MPs that the £60 million for business support – which is in line with the offer for South Yorkshire of approximately £22 per capita – would be distributed to the region’s boroughs.

The Government has also agreed to £22 million to help authorities implement and enforce restrictions – approximately £8 per capita.

Lancashire secured £30 million of business support – equivalent to approximately £20 per capita.

A further £12 million for enforcement was agreed – in line with the £8 per capita offered to other areas.

The Liverpool City Region was the first area to come under Tier 3 restrictions earlier this month, with tougher measures affecting its 1.6 million people.

It secured £14 million for enforcement, and a further £30 million of business support.

This equates to approximately £8 per capita for enforcement, and £19 per capita for business help.