Matt Hancock has announced in the Commons that Councils will have the power to shut businesses that aren’t following the new Covid restrictions.
As part of Very High tiers, some businesses such as adult gaming shops will be forced to close to slow the spread of Covid-19.
The Health Secretary explained that the Local Government Association had expressed concerns that Councils simply didn’t have the powers necessary to enforce closures of businesses who weren’t adhering to the new restrictions.
Mr Hancock said:
“As part of local discussions, local authorities including the LGA (Local Government Association) have asked for stronger enforcement powers, and I agree.
“To support businesses who are doing the right thing, it is fair that we take action against those businesses who are doing the wrong thing – so firm enforcement helps make these restrictions fairer for all.
“So we want to put in place stronger regulations to give local authorities firmer powers to take further action in their area.
“The proposals that we’ll bring forward will mean councils will be able to act without delay and use closure notices to shut premises on public health grounds to help suppress the virus.
“We’ll work with local authorities in the coming days on the details of these proposals so we can act in a firm and fast way against the minority who are breaching these lifesaving rules.”
