Laura Sharman 05 August 2015

Councils could be given power over Sunday trading rules

Local authorities could be given the power to extend Sunday opening hours in a bid to boost the local economy by £1.4bn a year.

Under plans unveiled today in a consultation document, the Government is proposing to devolve Sunday trading rules, saying this would enable high streets to compete with online businesses and smaller retailers, while offering consumers more choice about when to shop locally.

Under current laws, shops that have a floor area of more than 3,000 square feet can only trade for six hours on a Sunday.

The two proposals open for consultation include devolving Sunday trading hours to councils or elected mayors through new ‘devolution deals’. It also considers devolving this power to all local authorities so they can choose which areas could be given longer trading hours.

The document states: ‘Devolving powers to local areas is part of our wider package of policies to support high streets - from cuts in business rates for small shops to stopping over-zealous parking practices. As the needs of local areas varies from place to place, the people who live, work and do business locally know best what their area needs to grow.

‘Therefore, the Government believes that local areas are best placed to determine the right approach to Sunday trading in their locality.’

Chairman of the the Local Government Association, Cllr Gary Porter, said it was right that councils, residents and local businesses were given the power to decide how best to drive growth in their local area. However, he added: ‘Its vital that any changes are a 'can do' choice rather than a 'must do' duty imposed by central government.

‘It's now vital that government ensures any proposals allow councils to meet the needs of their communities without undue restriction or unnecessary bureaucracy.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Strategic Director, Corporate Services

City of Bradford MDC
c£162,000 per annum, more for an exceptional candidate
Bradford is at an extraordinary moment of transformation Bradford, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: City of Bradford MDC

Director of Human Resources

City of Bradford MDC
£119,466 - £131,207
Bradford is at an extraordinary moment of transformation Bradford, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: City of Bradford MDC

Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer)

North Kesteven District Council
£109,668 – £117,623
Create the conditions for long-term prosperity
Recuriter: North Kesteven District Council

Director of Libraries, Sport and Physical Activity & Communities

Glasgow Life
£102,894.01 - £116,854.38 per year
Our teams focus on making a real difference through culture and sport in Glasgow. Glasgow, Glasgow City
Recuriter: Glasgow Life
Linkedin Banner