STATEMENT FROM LA7 LEADERS

National lockdown required to slow spread of Covid-19.

“Covid-19 is continuing to ramp up the pressure on NHS services nationally and it is abundantly clear that national action is required.

“We are all aware of the challenges hospitals are facing as infections continue to rise with more and more people becoming seriously ill and requiring medical attention as a result.

“A national lockdown is now the only sensible course of action. Tiered restrictions appear to be failing to slow down transmission and the new, more transmissible variant of the virus continues to spread rapidly through communities up and down the country. We have seen in London and the South East what impact this variant can have on health services, and we must strive to do everything in our power to prevent local services reaching capacity as they have elsewhere.

“We also know that the variant is present in our region and our cases will continue to get worse before they get better and, coupled with the fact we are yet to see the impact of the relaxation of the rules on Christmas Day in the data, we must all do our bit while the vaccination programme is carried out.

“It remains essential that we all continue to follow the national public health guidance and stay at home as much as possible, keep your distance from others if you do need to leave your home, wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering when required and get tested if you have symptoms. It is important to keep homes well ventilated as well by opening windows periodically.

“Infections are higher than ever before and if the Government does not respond accordingly the consequences will be dire.

“Our communities have already endured so much hardship and it is difficult to once again accept the situation we are in, but we must take a pro-active approach as introducing further measures targeted at the prevention of further spread of the virus is much better than having to act to cure the problem at a later date.

“A national lockdown period will provide clear and consistent guidance requiring people in all parts of the country to remain at home except for essential reasons and significantly limit the opportunities for the virus to spread from person to person.

“We also know this is a challenging time for schools, their staff, pupils and parents. Within our own local authority areas, we will continue to support all educational settings to continue to review their individual circumstances and support whatever decision they make.

“For those pupils who will continue learning from home we will give whatever support we can to assist in the continuity of their learning. Our priority is educating our young people, but this must be done with the safety of school staff, pupils and their parents at the forefront of our minds.

“We cannot allow this virus to completely overwhelm our hospitals, especially when there is so much hope on the horizon with the scaling up of the vaccination programme.

“The Government must act now to protect our communities and prevent more lives being lost to this deadly disease.”

Cllr Simon Henig, CBE, Leader, Durham County Council
Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader, Gateshead Council
Cllr Nick Forbes, CBE, Leader, Newcastle City Council
Norma Redfearn CBE, Elected Mayor, North Tyneside Council
Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader, Northumberland County Council
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader, South Tyneside Council
Cllr Graeme Miller, Leader, Sunderland City Council
Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor
Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner

Government places North East in Tier 4

Today the North East has been placed into Tier 4 restrictions by government, alongside many other parts of the country.

We understand this may be disappointing for our residents and businesses who have worked so hard with us to try and slow the spread of the virus, but we ask again for everyone’s support so that these Tier 4 restrictions have the impact they need to.

We thank everyone who has been doing their bit for so long, and we know everyone desperately wishes we could see an end to the restrictions.

We understand people are tired and frustrated but there is light at the end of the tunnel, and it has been uplifting to see vaccinations being delivered across the region every day which can give us hope for 2021. Today’s news that the Astra Zeneca vaccine has been approved makes this light shine a little brighter and will be a welcome boost for the vaccine programme.

As our Directors of Public Health stated last week, the new  variant of the deadly virus is being transmitted almost 70% faster than other strains and vulnerable communities, NHS services and social care facilities have been quickly consumed by it in the south of the country so it is vital we act now to avoid our local services being overwhelmed.

Our view is that the Government should consider a national lockdown now to ensure the spread of the new variant is slowed and efforts can be focussed on the crucial roll out of the vaccine. This is a national problem and a national solution is required now.

After a disrupted Christmas the last thing any of us wanted was further restrictions as we enter 2021 but sadly we feel this is the only sensible option to protect our health and care services and the most vulnerable in our communities.

One in three people have Covid-19 without symptoms and so are spreading it without realising, so we need to be even more vigilant around social distancing, social contacts and maintain strong hand hygiene – washing our hands regularly and wearing face coverings everywhere the law requires us to.

Under Tier 4 there should be no household mixing inside, apart from within a support bubble, only meeting with a maximum of one person from another household outdoors, while non-essential shops, personal care, indoor gyms must close alongside our hospitality industry which has been forced to stay closed for the last two months.

We will continue to press government for fair decisionsand continue to seek strengthened business support to help businesses potentially affected by further measures and continue work with ministers on how best to deploy targeted community testing to open our economy, while seeking localisation of the national test and trace programme. Government decisions regarding schools are communicated directly to education establishments, without consultation with Local Authorities, however continue to provide strong support to all our schools and education settings throughout these times.

In the meantime, anyone with symptoms should also book a test as soon as possible and follow the guidance around self-isolation until the result is known and thereafter if it comes back positive.

We all need to put in that extra effort to keep ourselves, our friends, our families and our communities as safe as possible in the coming weeks. Thank You.

Cllr Simon Henig, CBE, Leader, Durham County Council
Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader, Gateshead Council
Cllr Nick Forbes, CBE, Leader, Newcastle City Council
Norma Redfearn CBE, Elected Mayor, North Tyneside Council
Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader, Northumberland County Council
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader, South Tyneside Council
Cllr Graeme Miller, Leader, Sunderland City Council
Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor
Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner

The North East’s leaders have reacted to the government’s decision to keep the region under the very high Tier 3 restrictions.

“Today the government has made the decision to keep the North East under the very high Tier 3 restrictions.

While we accept this decision on public health grounds, we still need a greater understanding of how moving out of Tier 3 will be determined in the New Year.

We will continue to press government for fair decisions and the right level of economic support – especially for the hospitality sector which has been so heavily impacted by the restrictions.

We will also work with ministers on how best to deploy targeted community testing to open up our economy, while seeking localisation of the national test and trace programme.

As leaders, we are incredibly proud of and grateful to the people of the North East for their efforts in following the rules, laws and guidance throughout the pandemic.

Their efforts have seen infection rates come down but sadly the virus continues to be a potent threat, putting pressure on NHS services, and we need to keep doing our bit to protect the most vulnerable in society.

We recently launched our Thank You communications campaign, fronted by ordinary folk from across the LA7. These are people representative of our communities, talking about the impact Covid has had on their lives and the efforts and sacrifices we have all made as well as looking forward to when we can once again do the things we love.

It is also a reminder that we can’t afford to throw away all the hard work when the chance of getting back to normal is within our grasp.
The Pfizer/Biontech vaccine is being rolled out into communities and this week we have seen some of our residents, aged over 80, invited to be vaccinated in GP surgeries, which is tremendous progress.

But this will be a long process and we all need to be patient. That is why we are asking everyone to carefully consider their plans and actions over the festive period. Just because the law says we can all meet three households over five days, doesn’t mean we should to choose to do so.

Increases in social contact and household mixing over Christmas could see infections rise steeply again in the New Year so we must act responsibly to supress the virus.

Of course, we understand people wanting to see each other but we also want families to be able to see each other and celebrate future Christmases, birthdays and family events.

For the sake of yourselves, your loved ones and the wider community please continue to follow all the guidance. Hands. Face. Space. And book a test if you have symptoms.

Once again, thank you for all your efforts.

Have a safe Christmas.

Cllr Simon Henig, CBE, Leader, Durham County Council
Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader, Gateshead Council
Cllr Nick Forbes, CBE, Leader, Newcastle City Council
Norma Redfearn CBE, Elected Mayor, North Tyneside Council
Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader, Northumberland County Council
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader, South Tyneside Council
Cllr Graeme Miller, Leader, Sunderland City Council
Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor
Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner

Friends and family are being urged to make domestic abuse everyone’s business this Christmas, as part of an ongoing campaign setting out how to help victims.

Support services across the region are joining Northumbria Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness and are encouraging people to reach in and keep in touch at a time when survivors are being isolated by both the pandemic and their perpetrator.

People with concerns are being encouraged to take action by following a series of safe steps. Advice includes making suggestions to the victim, not demands, and sharing support information, if safe to do so.

The latest figures from Northumbria Police have revealed that domestic abuse incidents increased by 5.2 per cent (+1,931 incidents) for the 12 months to September 2020. There has also been a 10 per cent (+977 incidents) increase in the last quarter, compared to the previous year.

This increase in reporting includes victims known to the Force; however, there has been an increase in new victims and perpetrators – believed to be as a result of lockdown.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Domestic abuse is everyone’s business. We know the risk of domestic abuse increases at Christmas time – we see it year on year. And this year, Christmas will be made worse for some due to restrictions and people being cut off from the outside world – it really is a dangerous mix. I really feel for those suffering.

“Sadly, for many, lockdown has made them more vulnerable and I am expecting to see domestic abuse reports higher this Christmas than previous years. The reality in many homes is far from the picture perfect impressions we’re often led to believe on social media.”

The Commissioner, went on to explain that everyone has a role to play in helping those suffering behind closed doors: “The message is – be safe, be kind, be there. For many victims the idea of breaking free from the harm and overcoming awful experiences is not easy, but it can be done. We have some wonderful support services in the North East to help anyone who needs to do just that.”

A survey earlier this year by Wearside Women in Need, revealed 62 per cent of victims tell a friend or family member first, so it’s vital that those people who are confided in, feel equipped to raise their concerns and encourage those at harm to seek help.

Becky Rogerson, Director of Wearside Women in Need, said: “Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, which means you could have a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbour who needs support. The pandemic has increased isolation and increased the need for us all to look after one another. We’re asking everyone to try and stay connected and keep in touch with friends, family, neighbours and co-workers over the festive period. We need to ‘reach in’ to those who might not be able to reach out, and let them know we’re here for them.”

Northumbria Police’s Detective Superintendent Deborah Alderson, of the Safeguarding Department, wants to reach out to send a clear message of support to those experiencing domestic abuse and living in fear this Christmas.

She said: “2020 has been a year like no other and a very lonely year for many, especially those at home with their abuser. It’s not too late to speak out and receive help and support.

“My message to anyone trapped in an abusive situation – if your home is not a safe environment then I urge you to seek support, to contact police.

“We will do everything we can do to support you which can include help to find safe accommodation for you and your children or removing abusers from homes.”

She added: “If you’re aware of domestic abuse happening in the home of a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour – please speak out.

“If you see someone suffering in silence, be the voice they wish they had and seek help from police.”

Here’s important advice for if you’re worried about someone:
• Be safe: remember – social media, phone and emails might be monitored. Don’t confront the abuser.
• Be kind: listen, make suggestions, not demands.
• Be there: be understanding and available.
• Get help: contact organisations for support and information
• Call 101 if you are concerned about a friend or loved one, or that someone’s behaviour is abusive.
• Call 999 if you think there’s an immediate danger.

Information and support: If you or someone you know needs support for issues about domestic abuse – these organisations can help.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact Northumbria Police on 101, or make a report online. In an emergency, always call 999. If you dial 999 and are unable to speak, the emergency operator will ask you to dial 55 and to follow their instruction to quickly put you in touch with police.

Changes that will join up and enhance the delivery of victim support services across Northumbria have today been unveiled by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness.
Following on from her commitment to putting victims at the heart of policing, the PCC is planning to move the services and staff of current provider Victims First Northumbria to Northumbria Police.
The move comes after the Commissioner requested an independent review of local victims’ support to see how the needs of victims and witnesses are being met.
The findings of the review have informed the decision which will help ensure the best possible support is reaching those who have been a target of all types of crime.
PCC McGuinness believes this change will help overcome some of the barriers Victims First Northumbria has faced in supporting victims, while ensuring the dedicated support victims get from the hardworking Victims First team continues.
Thanking the team at Victims First for their dedicated work, Kim McGuinness, said: “This is a really positive step for all involved, building on the good work already done and giving victims of crime an even better service.
“We absolutely have to put victims first and make sure we are doing things right by them. This move is about stream-lining the whole process, making things simpler and doing everything we can to ensure that all victims receive the help they need.”
She added: “Everyone involved in the criminal justice system wants the best for victims and I’m thankful to everyone who has contributed to this review. I’m confident that by making these changes, based on the valuable knowledge and experience of many involved, we can bring about some really positive changes. It’s a real opportunity to build on the great work happening everyday throughout our region and will allow us to help even more victims cope, recover and move forward with their lives.”
Peter Walls, Chair of the Victims First Northumbria Board, said: “Since 2015, Victims First Northumbria has delivered an exceptional independent cope and recovery support service to victims in the aftermath of crime. This is reflected in satisfaction rates of 98% with those
victims we work with commenting that the support given to them by the staff has improved their lives. I look forward to the new arrangements building on this legacy and successfully reaching and supporting even more victims of crime.”
Northumbria Police Chief Constable Winton Keenen welcomed the news, saying: “As a Force, protecting vulnerable victims is absolutely our number one priority.
“The collaboration brought forward by the Police and Crime Commissioner and Victims First Northumbria will further help ensure victims have access to the support they need.”

VICTIMS of domestic abuse throughout the region are set to benefit from two new funds totalling £420,000 – in what has been described by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness as ‘a significant boost for our efforts in supporting everyone affected by the cycle of abuse’.

The Drive Project, which launched earlier this week, will target the most high-risk, high harm and serial perpetrators and protect hundreds of associated victims, including children.

The scheme will offer 90 domestic abuse perpetrators across the region intensive behaviour change support with the aim of preventing future offending. This project has been made possible thanks to funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, all six local authorities across the region and the Home Office.

In addition to this new programme, charities and support organisations across the North East are also set to share an extra £252,000 of emergency funding. This grant is to help key organisations continue delivering support services to vulnerable victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence as the Coronavirus pandemic restrictions continue.

This is the second round of extraordinary funding secured by the PCC from the Ministry of Justice, and follows a successful bid back in June when the region was awarded £500,000 to help services cope with a surge in demand during difficult times.

Welcoming the Drive Project launch, Northumbria Police & Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “We’ve been calling out for more money to help those suffering from abuse for some time. The pandemic is far from over and we have to ensure specialist support is able to continue and reach those who need it most, as well as preventing it from happening in the first place.

“The funding of these projects and services gives a significant boost to the region’s efforts in supporting everyone affected by the cycle of abuse and it’s great to be making this announcement during the international 16 days of action campaign around eliminating violence and abuse.

“I’m confident that all this work together will have a lasting impact in tackling the evils of abuse, reducing offending and helping those victims who we see harmed time and time again. We have to do everything we can to put a stop to it”

Since the original Drive pilot in 2016, for the duration of the intervention, Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) reported risk to the victim reduced in 82 percent of cases. When Drive was not involved victims/survivors were three times more likely to experience physical abuse at case closure than when Drive was involved.

Kyla Kirkpatrick, Director of Drive, said: “We are looking forward to working closely with the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Barnardo’s, as well as a fantastic network of local partners, to do all we can to make victims and survivors of domestic abuse safer by responding effectively to those who are causing the harm – the perpetrators. We know that the introduction of the Drive Project will be alongside the incredible and pioneering work of the Northumbria OPCC and MATAC in recent years and the significant partnership work embedded across local authorities in Northumbria. We are very grateful for this opportunity to work together to strengthen and expand the work currently led by partners in Northumbria.”

Interventions to the identified perpetrators will be delivered by Barnardo’s with the overall aim of protecting victims, improving and changing the perpetrators behaviour, disrupting their offending and protecting children from further exposure to domestic abuse.

Emma Ramsay, Barnardo’s Assistant Director Children’s Services, said: “Barnardo’s is pleased to be contributing to this important programme. We have long experience of working with perpetrators in the North East with the aim of changing their behaviour.

“There is growing evidence that children who live in families where there is domestic abuse can suffer serious long-term emotional effects. We believe that the best way to help children in this situation is to help their families.”

The additional emergency funding of £252,000 from the Ministry of Justice will be allocated across 24 charities and social enterprises funded in June. Services welcoming this cash boost include Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service, Streetwise, Community Counselling Co-operative and Children North East.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you can report an incident by ringing 101 or visiting www.northumbria.pnn.police.uk. Also in a non-emergency situation you can text the police on 07786 200814.
In an emergency, always call 999. If you dial 999 and are unable to speak, the emergency operator will ask you to dial 55 and to follow their instruction to quickly put you in touch with police.
If you are worried that your own behaviour may be harming a loved one, you can call the Respect Helpline 0808 8024040 (webchat service also available)
The OPCC commissions a range of specialist support services for children and young people affected by domestic abuse.

ENDS