Issue - meetings

To provide an analysis of the public consultation undertaken regarding the market handbook and fees and to consider the options for future market provisions (report of the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services which provided an analysis of the public consultation undertaken regarding the market handbook and fees, and considered the options for future market provisions.

Members commented that the proposals within the report provided an opportunity to the Council.  Markets were a major part of the town centre economy, and a dedicated Markets’ Manager was vital.

DECISION:

1)    That the adoption of the Markets Regulation Handbook, following consultation from 18^th June to 30^th July 2021, be approved;

2)    That the Head of Environmental and Operational Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, be given delegated authority to make changes to the Market Regulation Handbook as necessary, following approval of the proposed options of this report;

3)    That adoption of the new fee structure as consulted upon, and annual review, be approved;

4)    That Option Two, as set out in paragraph 2.2, be approved to ensure investment and growth in our markets and the ability to take action on the results of the consultation and implement the key findings, such as pop-up stalls and improved engagement;

a.    That a new post of Markets Manager be introduced for a two-year fixed term trial to deliver the objectives of option two funded from the Investment and Growth Reserve as detailed in 5.5;

5)    That the current suspension of stall erection and dismantling be made a permanent change to market provision, as reflected in the new fee structure;

6)    That the attached Equality Impact Assessment be noted; and

7)    That the current road closure in Long Sutton be made permanent to ensure the safe running of the market and maintain the high levels of social gatherings in and around Market Place each Friday.

(Other options considered:

·         Option One – Adopt the draft market regulations handbook and proposed fees and give consideration only to the consultation responses;

·         Option Three – Do nothing.

Reasons for decision:

·         The adoption of the market regulation handbook is vital to the ongoing running of our markets.  It makes clear the requirements of SHDC and traders and sets out how to keep traders and the public safe whilst at our markets;

·         The current fees do not take into account the changes that have been required since the re-opening of markets in June and July 2020.  For that reason, as well as to support traders and the markets through the pandemic, there have been no fees in place since the re-opening last year.  The proposed fees have been formulated with the current market provisions considered;

·         The current fee structure is set in such a way that it looks to recover the costs for running the markets, though some areas are not fully recharged to traders, e.g. the road closure, which seeks a payment towards the overall cost.  The fees are set that they could potentially reduce if more traders stand at a market, which would reduce the cost to the trader;

·         As detailed in the handbook,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17