MP demands a further review of the Tier 3 rating for South Gloucestershire

Conservative MP for Kingswood, Chris Skidmore, has written to Health Secretary Matt Hancock, requesting a further review of the tier placing for the area.

South Gloucestershire will remain in Tier 3, despite all neighbouring councils, including Bristol being in Tier 2 from Saturday,

In the letter Mr Skidmore states that he 'fully supported the Governments strategy to move to local restriction tier system after the national restrictions ended.'

However, he went onto show his dismay at South Gloucestershire remaining in Tier 3, 'especially in light of the announcement that the neighbouring areas of Bristol and North Somerset will move to Tier 2', from Saturday.

Mr Skidmore compared the figures for South Gloucestershire saying they had dropped from their peak in mid November of 349 cases per 100,000 down to 160. He also compared the latest figures to the national average, which he said stands at 200 cases per 100,000.

The MP argues that, prevalence in cases of over 60s in South Gloucestershire are less than both Bristol and North Somerset.

Mr Skidmore went on to further state that, from his understanding, South Gloucestershire was initially placed into Tier 3, as it shares the same heath eco-system as Bristol and is considered the same 'travel to work' area, and so was grouped with the other areas tier plan at the beginning of December.

Mr Skidmore has therefore requested an explanation for the 'contradictory decision' to keep South Gloucestershire in tier 3 following the latest review, whilst moving both Bristol and North Somerset into Tier 2.

Based on the data and previous reasoning for South Gloucestershire being grouped with Bristol, the MP has urged the Government to 'reconsider' the position as soon as possible.

Matt Hancock will meet with Mr Skidmore and Luke Hall today to explain his decision.