A council has been forced into a humiliating climbdown over its crackdown on “cake sheds and cupboards” following a furious public reaction to plans that threatened a loved British rural tradition.
Bassetlaw District Council has paused enforcement of its Street Trader Policy, specifically relating to cake sheds and cupboards, so it can consider the wider impact of the rules on locals.
The U-turn means residents who trade from honesty box cake sheds and cupboards on their own land can keep on doing so without a licence.
Mo Metcalf-Fisher, of the Countryside Alliance, said: “Councils need to focus on delivering the basics, rather than stifling things that make our countryside great. While it’s right Bassetlaw Council have U-turned on this, it’s sad officials thought it was a good idea in the first place.
“Honesty boxes are quintessentially British and play an important part in rural cohesion, where neighbours trust one another and give others the benefit of the doubt.
“For many farmers and growers, they’re an easy way to offset produce and earn a bit of extra cash, and they are a great way of inspiring the next generation of budding entrepreneurs, who learn the value of working hard, producing a product and being paid for it. It’s important that other councils learn from this sorry saga.”
Cabinet member for governance June Evans said: “We have seen the public reaction to the introduction of this policy and the impact that it could potentially have on residents who provide ‘cake sheds or cupboards’. We also recognise the community benefit these enterprises can have in some areas.”
She added: “Having considered our current approach, we have decided to pause all enforcement action that relates specifically to ‘cake sheds and cupboards’ while this part of the Street Trader Policy can be reviewed by our Licensing Committee, including any fees and charges.”
Ms Evans said a report is being prepared for a council committee to consider in June.
Meanwhile, locals will be able to continue using honesty boxes to sell produce without needing to fork out for a licence.