A few months ago we launched a 38 degrees petition on the topic of Wiltshire Council imposing a levy on all supermarkets in the county. The object of the levy is to raise money that can be used to lower the charges at council car parks.

This will enable local traders to compete with the supermarkets and restore vitality to our high streets.

In a short period of time, and with limited publicity, nearly 300 people signed the petition. On November 12, 2013, we took the following notice of motion to Wiltshire Council: “This council requires officers to investigate the opportunity provided by the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 to levy a charge on all Wiltshire supermarkets with the object of reducing car parking charges.”

Rather than going for a vote, the ruling Conservative group referred the motion to the scrutiny committee. This met on January 7. Again, the Conservative-dominated committee passed the buck to a further body – the development panel. There was something of a valid reason in doing this.

During the debate, it was obvious that there were many misconceptions and a lack of understanding regarding the relevant Act of Parliament and the practical powers of such a levy. Therefore, the panel was tasked with inviting down to Trowbridge somebody who has worked on such proposals elsewhere. Then we could have a detailed question and answer session.

That is where we are with the supermarket levy issue. The ruling Conservative group don’t seem to be in any hurry to progress the matter. No firm date has yet been scheduled for the information session. We will continue to pressure them. We can report that the following English local authorities: Lambeth, Sefton, Southwark, Oxford, Derby, Weymouth and Portland and Enfield are all ready to move on supermarket levies.They are further advanced on this than we are.

Both Northern Ireland and Scotland have introduced it with good effect.

The case for the levy is very strong. We are now going to demand progress on the County Hall information session. We will also be relaunching the case for the supermarket levy amongst the public. Please help us make the case.

Terry Chivers and Jeff Osborn, Independent Wiltshire councillors.