Sunderland lockdown: Delight over childcare u-turn

Authorities from across the North East had urged Health Secretary Matt Hancock to reverse regulations and allow people to enter other households for the purposes of childcare while the main carer was at work.

Local lockdown restrictions in the borough will be eased to allow people to look after children or vulnerable adults from outside their household.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock acknowledged that such arrangements were a “lifeline” for many people, and without them they were unable to do their jobs.

But he said the exemption would not allow parents to send their children to “playdates or parties” with friends from another household.

A statement from seven north east council leaders, including Sunderland City Council leader, Cllr Graeme Miller, said: “As soon as new COVID control measures were introduced across the North East we began lobbying Government to include an exemption on household mixing regulations to allow families to continue their informal childcare arrangements.

“This was an exemption we asked for in our original request to Government and we’re delighted the Secretary of State has reversed his decision.

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Mr Hancock told MPs: “I’ve heard their concerns about the impact of local action on childcare arrangements

“For many, informal childcare arrangements are a lifeline without which they couldn’t do their jobs.

“So today I’m able to announce a new exemption for looking after children under the age of 14 or vulnerable adults, where that is necessary for caring purposes.

“This covers both formal and informal arrangements.

“It does not allow for playdates or parties, but it does mean that a consistent childcare relationship, that is vital for somebody to get to work, is allowed.”

The seven councils – which also include South Tyneside, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland and County Durham – have also asked the Government to provide more support to local businesses impacted by the new restrictions.

In a joint statement they said: The sight of our usually busy city centres and high streets falling into near silence when 10pm passed on Friday night once again emphasised the need for government to help us to support the businesses inevitably impacted by these necessary restrictions.”