Ministers launch consultation on Sunday Trading hours

The power to extend Sunday trading hours for high street shops could be devolved to local authorities, according to plans proposed by ministers today. 

Under the plans, local councils will be given the power to extend Sunday trading hours within their geographical area, or specific parts of their geography where they want to grow their economy or attract more footfall.

Local authorities will also be able to exclude out-of-town supermarkets from extended Sunday trading hours, in an attempt to drive consumers back to the high street.

The plans, which were originally announced in the Chancellor’s budget in July, mark a change from the current law which allows smaller shops to open all day on Sunday but restricts those over 3,000 sq ft to six hours between 10am and 6pm.

Extended Sunday trading hours have been criticised by the Church of England, however ministers are expected to write to the church today in an attempt to get it to support the plans.

According to the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, the proposed extended Sunday trading hours across England and Wales could result in benefits equivalent to £1.4bn.