How will changes to Sunday trading affect you?

TRADERS and residents are being asked for their views on proposals which could see Sunday trading hours extended for larger shops.

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Under arrangements which were established over 20 years ago, large shops with more than 280 square metres floor space are currently only allowed to open for up to six hours between 10am and 6pm on a Sunday, while smaller premises can open all day. In response to the changing way people do their shopping the Government has put forward proposals to devolve Sunday trading laws to local councils in order to allow greater flexibility over the hours that large shops can stay open for.

It is hoped that by allowing local flexibility for Sunday trading, consumers will be offered more choice when to shop locally, businesses will have more freedom on opening hours and staff greater opportunity to work on a Sunday.

Under a devolved arrangement South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils would take on new powers allowing them to determine Sunday trading hours locally and the areas that this would apply to. This September the two councils will submit their joint response to the proposals, however before doing so they want to hear how residents and local businesses may be affected if the changes go ahead.

To find out more about the proposals and to have your say, visit: http://tinyurl.com/sunday-trading-hours. The consultation closes on Thursday, September 10.

Cllr Robert Simister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Devolved powers would be a big change in how Sunday trading works so it’s very important for us to listen to what people think and ensure our response to government accurately reflects people’s views.”

Cllr Matthew Barber, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Whether you are a resident who only goes shopping once a week, someone who lives very near to larger shops or a trader who is in direct competition, we want to hear how you may be affected if Sunday trading laws are devolved and we are given powers to make trading hours more flexible.”