A Sensible Approach to Street Trading

NCASS recently met with senior licensing officers from Buckinghamshire Council to discuss significant changes to the Council’s street trading policy.

Following a public consultation, 70% of respondents opposed proposals to extend street trading controls to all publicly accessible areas, including privately owned land such as pub and retail car parks. Concerns centred on the additional costs and administrative burden this would place on small businesses and mobile traders.

In response, Buckinghamshire Council has adopted a more targeted and flexible approach that supports local enterprise while maintaining appropriate oversight.

Key Changes

Focus on Council-maintained highways only

Street trading controls will now apply only to highways maintained by Buckinghamshire Council. Traders operating on private land, such as pub car parks, will no longer require street trading consent, reducing costs and barriers to trade.

An “open door” consent scheme

Traders will be able to apply voluntarily for a street trading consent, even if one is not required. This provides independent verification of a trader’s suitability and offers reassurance to event organisers, businesses and community groups engaging traders.

Public register of consent holders

A publicly accessible register will allow organisers and landowners to check whether a trader holds a Council-issued consent, while also helping traders promote their businesses.

Greater flexibility for traders

Consent holders will be able to authorise another approved trader to temporarily operate from their pitch during periods of illness, holidays or other absences, reflecting common industry practice.

Community Events

The updated policy will also better support community events, with trading activities associated with community-focused events exempt from street trading controls. Responsibility for these activities will sit with event organisers.

So what’s next – The new policy has been agreed in principle and is due to come into effect on 1 October 2026, when the full policy will be published by Buckinghamshire Council.

NCASS welcomes this practical and proportionate approach and hope it encourages wider discussion among other local authorities.

For more information you can read the full consultation report here Draft Street Trading Consent Policy post consultation review.pdf.