THERE is a “strong possibility” of the district being given Tier 3 status based on its tier before the national lockdown, the leader of Bradford Council has said.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said the local authority does not “have any news yet” but said she expects the Government to “insist on that status again”.

Tier 3 (Very high alert) would mean the strictest restrictions on household mixing and the closure of hospitality venues with the exception of takeaway, drive-through or delivery services.

Read more: What you can and can't do in tiers 1, 2 and 3 from December 2

It comes after MP Jason McCartney (Colne Valley, Con) revealed his belief that "many people expect Kirklees to be in the highest tier".

Kirklees currently is the tenth worst area for covid-19 cases in England, according to Tuesday's figures.

Read more: WEDNESDAY'S area by area breakdown of Bradford Covid-19 cases

In a comment for the Telegraph & Argus, Cllr Hinchcliffe said: “We don’t have any news yet, but Government had put us into Tier 3 before the national lockdown and, therefore, there’s got to be a strong possibility that they will insist on that status again as we come out of national lockdown

“They have told all Local Authorities that we will be informed about which Tier we are in sometime on Thursday.

“We have to remain fleet of foot as a Council. The district has had numerous different regulations and rules since the outset, once Government decide we will act quickly to inform residents and businesses.

“Infection rates are coming down but looking at the numbers today we still have the 11th highest infection rate in the country.

“Whatever our position we want to see regular reviews of the Tiered arrangements so that as our infection rates come down we can exit as quickly as possible.

“Our biggest concern is the hospitality businesses and the associated jobs at risk, particularly those in the supply chain of these businesses who have no financial support from Government.”

The leader added: "The Government have made it clear that this is entirely their decision and they are not consulting with councils."