Issue - meetings

The then Chairman of the Corporate of the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee presented the report which sought Council approval that a new fee and charge be introduced for Markets, specifically an Event pitch, at a proposed priced of £50 applicable to event traders only.

It was stressed that registered or casual traders attending usual markets would pay the standard fee on event days, traders who only attended events (who can come from across the UK) would be charged the new event rate.

It was considered the proposed fee reflected the cost of promoting and organising the events, and the benefits of the increased footfall. The Council also included power and security. The fee remained competitive but reflected the space as premium for special events.

The current pricing schedule for such event traders was provided for information and was currently in line with the casual trader rate for a Saturday market.

The recommendation was proposed before a period of questioning ensued.   In response to questions, it was confirmed that the fee did not affect independent traders, unless that independent trader only traded on event days.

It was again clarified that any trader already registered with the Council or trading casually on normal markets would not be subject to the new event fee, as such it would have no impact on regular traders.  Only those traders, who only applied to trade, when the Council was hosting an event, would be subject to the new rate.  The recommendations were duly seconded.

A Member made reference to those trading at event markets, who did not rent a pitch or space, for example balloon sellers, LED light sellers and sought to understand if they were subject to a fee to trade.

Members also enquired as to whether the fee was VAT inclusive.

In the absence of the information, Officers undertook to advise the Members of the position in respect of both questions outside of the meeting.

Having been proposed and seconded, on being put to the vote it was: -

RESOLVED that the recommendation from the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee be accepted and the new fee, namely an Event Pitch / Stall Fee of £50.00 for event traders only, be approved for immediate implementation.