Tomorrow the new ?High? level of restrictions imposed by Government come into effect. It?s crucial that everyone in Nottingham plays their part to help bring the spread of the virus under control.

We have been placed in this category by Government because our Covid infection rates are going up too quickly. We need everyone, young and old, to take this seriously. If we carry on as we are, we risk more people contracting this terrible disease. We also risk being placed under even stricter restrictions by Government which will impact on everyone?s lives even more significantly.

The new rules, on top of the existing Hands, Space, Face and Rule of Six guidance, are:

• People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
• People must not meet in a group of more than six outside, including in a garden or other space.
• People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. If they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport.

For more information please go to https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19

I am concerned about the significant impact the new High risk restrictions are going to have on some businesses in the city. I have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, to urge him to bring forward a bespoke business support package to protect jobs in Tier 2 areas like Nottingham. One of the new restrictions in particular - households can no longer mix anywhere indoors including shops, pubs, bars and restaurants ? will undoubtedly have an impact on our local hospitality sector.

Many of these local businesses are already fighting for survival and a further drop off in trade at this crucial time could see them go under ? leading to more job losses and more empty business premises.

Around 5,000 businesses were eligible under the previous support scheme and the new restrictions will add to ongoing lower footfall and lower consumer confidence in those same businesses. We estimate hospitality venues face a 50-70% loss of income and while some cultural venues have been given a welcome cash injection their continued closure impacts on other outlets which also need Government support.

The Government?s approach to tackling Covid must be to protect livelihoods as well as lives and I have urged the Chancellor to:

• Urgently bring forward a bespoke business support package to protect jobs in Tier 2 areas like Nottingham
• Create a new ?Business Survival Grant? to help those businesses most affected by additional Covid restrictions
• Work with Councils in Tier 2 areas to protect and support good businesses and save jobs.

It?s great news that many cultural venues across the city have benefitted from the Government?s Culture Recovery Fund. Our wonderful theatres and arts venues are such an important part of our city, giving us an identity, exceptional entertainment attracting thousands of people every year, and a huge boost to our local economy. From Rock City and the Nottingham Playhouse to the National Justice Museum to Lakeside Arts Centre and Nottingham Contemporary, it?s vitally important that they are protected so they can continue to play such a huge role in our city life once Covid is sufficiently under control.

I?m pleased that the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall is among those receiving urgently needed support. The ?851,604 grant will allow the venue to fully prepare for a COVID-19 safe re-opening for audiences, when circumstances allow, and help ensure the future sustainability of both venues.