Liverpool councillors have been told the city region will go into the strictest tier of England’s new lockdown system. Other areas, including Manchester are expected to be placed under the same measures.

Pubs, bars, gyms, casinos and bookmakers are expected to close, while restaurants, schools and universities would remain open.

Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson and local councillors are believed to have asked central government for a monthly review of the situation.

The news comes as Mayors across the north of England have rejected the government’s financial package for areas in local lockdown, warning it would cause long-term economic devastation.