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Welcome progress on Sunday Trading, says HTA
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| Carol Paris |
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Momentum on the issue of Sunday Trading is gathering pace with news of progress in Parliament this week, reports the Horticultural Trades Association.
The Government’s consultation response out this morning, which quotes the HTA extensively, is in favour of devolving power on Sunday Trading laws to local authorities. This could allow large shops, including garden centres, to open longer on Sunday.
The devolution proposal was added as an amendment to the Enterprise Bill last night to be discussed in Parliament committee over the coming fortnight.
The reforms would give unitary authorities, metro mayors and any new mayors appointed the power to determine Sunday trading rules that reflect the needs of local people and allow shops and high streets to stay open longer. The Government also intends to strengthen and further protect workers’ rights to opt out of Sunday working.
The proposed changes will also enable more competition with online retailers. Under the current legislation, which is over 20 years old and before the era of online retailing, large stores with over 3,000 sq ft of trading space are prevented from opening for more than six hours.
Commenting on the latest update HTA Chief Executive Carol Paris said: “This is a question of choice – both for retailers and consumers. We have worked hard to ensure that the voice of the industry is heard and it is reassuring that the points that we, and individual members have made, have been included in the consultation response. It is encouraging that progress is being made towards updating this law which is no longer fit for purpose.”
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