CLEAN : Manchester mayor says UK government is 'levelling down' the North with Covid funding no-deal

The transcript questions the government's actions during the pandemic, suggesting they are playing with people's lives and pressuring them to accept minimal support. It criticizes the government for not fulfilling promises to level up the country, especially affecting those in lower-income jobs. The speaker accuses the government of deliberately leveling down instead.

What implications does the speaker suggest about the pressure on people regarding financial acceptance?

In what way does the speaker describe the current situation as a 'deliberate act of leveling down'?