New targeting system could exempt areas
THE Government is introducing a new way of targeting local authorities which could see parts of Kirklees, Calderdale and Bradford where Covid-19 is less prevalent exempted from restrictions.
There has been a great deal of frustration among West Yorkshire residents where there are few if any cases of Covid19 that they have to suffer the same restrictions where the virus is thriving.
So as of Wednesday, leaders of Calderdale, Bradford and Kirklees councils and local MPs will be tasked with providing a resume of the situation for a silver meeting of the Joint Biosecurity Centre.
The Government is stressing that local leadership will be expected to seek consensus between councils and local MPs and recommend the appropriate geography which fits local travel patterns, work and social behaviours for restrictions to be active in.
Areas within the local authority where Covid-19 is less prevalent are expected to be exempt from any restrictions.
Then on Thursday the Joint Biosecurity Centre Gold Meeting, chaired by the Secretary of State Matt Hancock with the Chief Medical Officer, Prof Chris Whitty, will make the final decision based on the local recommendation, or recommendations if consensus cannot be reached.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock, said: “To prevent a second peak and keep Covid-19 under control, we need robust, targeted intervention where we see a spike in cases.
“The only way we can keep on top of this deadly virus is through decisive action led by the people who know their areas best, wherever possible through consensus with a local area.
“Our approach is to make the action we take as targeted as possible, with the maximum possible local consensus. To do that we are introducing a new process to increase engagement between local leaders, both councils and MPs, with the aim of taking as targeted action as possible.
“This will allow local councils to focus resources onto the wards which need more targeted intervention in order to drive infection rates down, and gives local people a stronger voice at the table.”
Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney said: “I welcome new framework announced today for MPs and council leadership to collaborate using localised data to identify areas that can be eased from restrictions – so hoping for positive news at next week’s review.
“This is a new way forward and I understand the frustrations of residents who live in areas largely unaffected by Covid-19.
“The four MPs are expected to collaborate and work together with the leadership of Kirklees Council and put forward recommendations. Precisely how it will work we will have to see as this will be the first time we are doing it. This approach will allow us then to focus on wards and areas that need more targeted intervention. This is a big step forward.”
But Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman said: “I think we should hold our nerve on this. If we start doing patchwork I am not sure that is a good idea.”