This week, the government launched the Eat Out to Help Out scheme which will give people in Hornchurch and Upminster up to 50% off their bills in restaurants, cafes and pubs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August.

The scheme – part of the government’s Plan for Jobs that will spur the country’s economic recovery from coronavirus – applies to all food and non-alcoholic drinks, with a maximum discount per person of £10.

In Hornchurch and Upminster, there are over 50 participating restaurants on its launch. In London, there are over 7,200 participating independent establishments, and outlets from smaller chains (those with 25 restaurants or fewer). More than 72,000 establishments are participating in total, including independent eateries and family favourites such as Pizza Express, Costa Coffee and Nando’s.

I am delighted to see the government provide this much-needed support for restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs. My team were out last week meeting with businesses to raise awareness about the scheme and I encourage constituents to enjoy the summer safely by supporting their local restaurants by eating out to help out.

It has been an extremely difficult time for the hospitality industry which has felt the brunt of the coronavirus outbreak, and I hope that the Eat Out to Help Out scheme provides a great boost to those businesses participating and protects jobs across this vital sector.

Constituents can find their local restaurants which have registered for the scheme here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-a-discount-with-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme