Council begins its fightback as Government wins vote to bring in Covid tier system - and put the whole of Warwickshire under the highest restrictions

Warwick District Council says it is backing its neighbouring council in their challenge to the Government over the decision to put Warwickshire into tier three of the Covid-19 restrictions.

Today (Tuesday December 1) Stratford District Council sent a Judicial Review pre-action protocol letter to The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (the DHSC).

Tonight the Government won the vote to bring in the tier system - which means the whole of Warwickshire will be put into the highest tier at midnight.

Leader of Warwick District Council, Cllr Andrew Day said tonight: “I wholeheartedly support the decisive action taken by our neighbours over in Stratford-on-Avon to commence a Judicial Review against the Government’s Tier 3 directive.

"The Government should not be taking a broad brush approach with the Tier system, which will be detrimental to the South Warwickshire local economy and instead, recognising the facts on a local level."

Tony Jefferson, leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: "This is not an action we take lightly, however none of the data we see warrants Stratford-on-Avon District being placed in Tier 3. It is very disappointing that the government did not use much greater granularity in deciding on tiers.

"I know that they have looked at a number of factors including the rates in all age groups, particularly older people who are more vulnerable to the virus; and we have to take into consideration the pressure on our local hospitals and NHS services. However, none of the metrics for our district warrant it being placed in tier 3. The decision to put Stratford district in Tier 3 therefore appears arbitrary and irrational.

"There is widespread feeling of disbelief and anger locally at Stratford district being in Tier 3. Our hospitality businesses are devastated by the news. People know the relevant numbers for the area and fail to see the decision as either an accurate reflection of the situation or fair. Locally, Tier 3 is just not seen as credible.

"The prospect of a review as late as December 16 is no consolation. Most hospitality businesses will not now open before Christmas, I understand the effort and logistics make this very difficult. The consequences for business survival and unemployment could be significant. This against the context of Stratford-on-Avon being seen as the fourth hardest hit council area in the country.

"This is why we have taken the dramatic step of initiating a Judicial Review pre action protocol."