Help our market traders Council Leader asks Chancellor

Havering Council Leader Councillor Damian White has written to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP asking for government to increase support for the borough’s market traders as the country battles coronavirus.

The letter thanks Mr Sunak for the government’s quick response to the coronavirus crisis but asks for ‘urgent consideration’ of measures that could be put in place to provide financial aid for sole traders and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Havering Council announced yesterday that Romford Market will close for the foreseeable future following government advice on staying at home and social distancing measures. 

Councillor Damian White wrote about closing the market:

“I know traders face tough times in coming weeks and months ahead if further support is not provided. Many of these traders are traditional cash businesses and some may not have access to the business banking accounts that are a prerequisite to access the Business Interruption Loan Scheme.

I know HM Treasury is considering further measures to support self-employed people in areas like mine. Please can I ask you to ensure that market traders and cash-based microbusinesses are considered urgently as part of those developing support mechanisms.”