Issue - meetings

The Assistant Director of Commercial and Operational Services introduced the report regarding the need to make a decision on charges for trading on the Farmers’ Market from October 2020 to March 2021. He explained the background to the previous decision and the need to review that decision at this point. He emphasised the importance of ensuring the continued success of the markets as well as supporting the local High Street shops and businesses.

There was widespread support for the Officer recommendation to continue to offer free rents to Farmers’ Market trader until the end of March 2021 however it was suggested that this be caveated with the assertion the market should remain in the Market Place for the duration of this arrangement. The Chief Executive highlighted that the purpose of the move had been to adhere to social distancing and as such, it was unlikely to move from the Market Place whilst those restrictions remained. The amendment to recommendation was moved, seconded and taken to the vote and it was

            RESOLVED that recommendation one should read:

“Continue to offer free rents to Farmers’ Market traders until the end of March 2021 provided the Farmers’ Market remains in the Market Square.”

Through the course of discussions there was significant praise for the management of the markets and it was requested that the Officer responsible be sent a message of thanks on behalf of the Committee. This was agreed by the Assistant Director of Commercial and Operational Services and Chief Executive to be completed.

Members of the Committee discussed the current difficulties with continuing with wider publicised events and how the focus should be on maintaining the current market successfully with a view to building more events in next year. It was agreed there would be a paper brought to Committee in February 2021 to look further at future options. A Member of Committee enquired whether there would be any merit in running a Working Group to look at markets across the district. The Chairman confirmed comments and suggestions, where possible, would be considered either through Chair’s Briefing or by the Assistant Director.

            RESOLVED that:

a)    the offer of free rents to Farmers’ Market traders be continued until the end of March 2021 provided the Farmers’ Market remains in the Market Square; and

b)    a further report regarding the re-introduction of charges for both the general and Farmers’ Market be brought to the Committee in February 2021.