In December, spurred by a new highly contagious strain of coronavirus, Epping Forest, Waltham Forest, Redbridge and Harlow became some of the worst affected areas in England. Infection rates in the four areas ranked consistently in the top 20 in England across the month, with Epping Forest became the second worst area for new infections, behind only neighbouring Brentwood. As cases spiralled, the areas were placed in Tier 4 restrictions – essentially another lockdown. Outer London borough councillors claimed healthcare was suffering because more NHS money is being spent in inner east London. A committee of councillors from Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Havering, Barking & Dagenham and Essex County questioned why inner east London has “nearly three times” more acute beds than their areas.