ROBERT Halfon MP is leading a campaign to ensure that every pub in Harlow and the Villages is able to survive during the coronavirus outbreak by asking pub companies to stop charging commercial rent so long as pubs are closed.

In a strongly worded letter to the pub companies that cover Harlow and the Villages, Mr Halfon wrote: “As pubs have closed in line with the Government’s guidance, their income has dried up, whilst outgoing costs have not.”

He argued that: “In order to ensure that these pubs are able to reopen once the lockdown is lifted, we must do everything possible to minimise these expenses.”

The Government has announced a number of measures to support businesses such as business rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure properties and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, but Harlow’s MP believes pub companies should “go further” and stop their demands for rent payments at this time.

Commenting on the campaign, Mr Halfon said: “As a great fan of Harlow’s pubs, I want to do everything I can to ensure that they are supported through this difficult time.

“Our pubs are at the heart of our community and pub companies should be supporting our locals by ensuring that whilst pubs follow the Government’s public health advice to close, they should not have to pay rent. No pub, no rent.

“If any landlord in our town is facing difficulties at the moment, I would encourage them to contact me and I will do everything I can to help.”