Reform UK deputy leader has slammed the idea saying he sees “no reason to change” the rules
The Treasury is exploring options that could significantly change the opening hours of UK supermarkets on Sundays.
Chains such as Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Aldi, could be among the stores impacted by the changes, which are designed to impact business rates and retail support measures.
Currently, small shops which are under 280sqm can operate on Sundays without any restrictions from the government under the Sunday Trading Act.
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Larger shops on the other hand must open for a maximum of six hours between 10am and 6pm, except on Easter Sunday.
Richard Tice, the Reform UK deputy leader, has slammed the idea, saying he sees “no reason to change” the rules.
Speaking to the Express, he said: “I remain opposed to changing the Sunday trading laws as they currently are.
“They have existed for decades, and I see no reason to change them.”
Gawain Towler, a Reform UK board member, added: “It won’t boost the economy. It will just make life harder for smaller businesses.”
Regarding the proposed changes to operating hours, a source from the Treasury told The Grocer: “It makes sense to change outdated Sunday trading laws to drive economic growth. Business rates are equally outdated so you can see why the government wants to reform them.
“This change might mean they can get a higher rate over the line as well as providing consumers with more choice.”
A spokesperson for the Treasury stated: “This pro-business government is creating a fairer business rates system to protect the high street, support investment, and level the playing field and we intend to introduce a permanently lower business rates multiplier for retail properties from next year.”
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