LOCKDOWN powers allowing local authorities to enforce Covid restrictions and keep pubs closed have been extended, but North-East councils say they are a 'last resort'. 

It was revealed on Friday that the Government has quietly extended coronavirus lockdown laws, giving local authorities in England the power to close pubs, restaurants, shops and public spaces until July 17.

Existing lockdown laws were due to expire on January 17 and have now been extended by six months, the Department for Health and Social Care confirmed.

A spokesperson said the extension gives local authorities "the robust powers needed to continue to control the spread of the virus, both during and after national restrictions".

Councils in the North-East welcome the move but hope not to have to use the powers. 

Councillor Kevin Nicholson, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and housing, said: “We welcome the government’s recognition of the vital roles councils play in curbing the spread of Covid-19.

“However, just because these powers have been extended until July, does not mean we will need to use them. These powers are exercised as a last resort. Local authorities do not want to use these powers unless it’s absolutely critical to do so.

“For now, the best thing we can all do to ensure Covid-19 rates in Darlington continue to fall is to get regular tests and follow the national guidelines.”

The powers were extended on January 6, the day after the country was plunged into its third national lockdown.

This is the same day that the lockdown legally came into force, with MPs voting on the measure retrospectively.

Redcar and Cleveland Council says it has not yet used the powers, which have existed for some months now, and expects and future enforcement to be in tackling a source of a coronavirus outbreak.

A spokesperson said: "Enforcement powers currently available to councils to restrict events, or the use of premises or public open spaces, have been extended until July this year.

"This reflects the ongoing situation in terms of the pandemic and the potential need for local authorities to deal with risks which might arise in their own areas. Although these powers have already existed for some months now, we have not, so far, served any notices under the regulations and have no specific plans to do so currently.

"National developments and guidance are likely to be the overriding factor in terms of pubs and restaurants opening generally. 

"We would anticipate that the council’s enforcement powers would more likely be used to address risks arising from individual premises, for example, if there was a case where a particular premises was identified as the source of an outbreak, or if there was a history of non-compliance with covid-related safety measures.

"It is vital that we all continue to work together to stick to the rules to reduce the spread of this terrible disease and our socially responsible businesses are doing their part."

Councillor Bob Cook, leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “The Government has extended regulations which give local authorities the power to issue directions on the closure of premises, the holding of events and entry to public places. Under Government instructions, these powers are used to enforce necessary closures under national lockdown rules as well as the Tier system.”

It comes after an increase in Covid-19 transmission at the end of December and early January, which the government says required continued use of the powers by local authorities.

A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Given the vital role local authorities have to play in reducing transmission in communities and protecting public health, the Health and Social Care Secretary has extended the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 3) Regulations 2020 for a further 6 months to give Local Authorities the robust powers needed to continue to control the spread of the virus, both during and after national restrictions.”