Give local authorities powers to decide Sunday trading hours, Tory MP urges

The Government should stop outdated restrictions on Sunday trading hours and hand over powers to councils to decide whether they want longer or shorter opening, said Shipley Tory MP Philip Davies.

Currently large stores are restricted to opening for six hours – between 10am and 6pm – on Sundays, but Mr Davies has called on Ministers to let councils decide, in line with the Government’s pledge to hand more powers to local communities.

Mr Davies, who used to work for Asda, insists Sunday shopping was the busiest time of the weeks and claims it was also the most popular time for staff to work because other people would be at home to look after their children.

In Scotland, there are no restrictions Sunday trading but workers can refuse to work. Mr Davies said it was not for the Government to tell people when to work.

“I am not aware that the whole world has collapsed in Scotland as a result of deregulating Sunday trading hours,” he said. “In fact, my experience is that it has proved to be incredibly popular with both customers and workers alike. I would like workers and shoppers in England and Wales to have exactly the same rights to shop or work in shops at a time of their choosing as people in Scotland have.”

Under proposals tabled by Mr Davies, councils would be able to restrict as well as to extend Sunday opening hours.

“If we believe that decisions should be taken locally, we should give local authorities the widest possible ability to make decisions to suit their areas,” he said.

“In areas that need extra regeneration, the opportunity to open for extra hours on a Sunday might be welcome, as it may benefit the local authorities in such areas.

“I do not see why the Government should stand in those authorities’ way if they believe that to be an important part of their regeneration strategy. Other local authorities may wish to restrict Sunday trading hours.”