English local authorities have been instructed to temporarily suspend planning enforcement activity in relation to store opening hours in a bid to support the high street through the festive period.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), Robert Jenrick has said: “None of us entirely enjoy navigating the crowds, especially now when social distancing is so important for controlling the pandemic. So with these changes your local shops can open longer, ensuring more pleasant and safer shopping with less pressure on public transport. How long will be a choice for shopkeepers and at the discretion of the council. Councils should offer these hard pressed entrepreneurs and businesses the greatest possible flexibility this festive season.”

This has got to be good news for shops as they seek to make the best out of the tricky trading conditions COVI-19 has created. 

The full statement can be read at https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2020-11-30/hcws609