northlincs.gov.uk

33  (33) A POLICY FOR MARKETS IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE – The Director of Infrastructure Services submitted a report to consider the implementation of a policy for markets in North Lincolnshire. 

The definition of a market was five or more stalls or pitches where items were sold.  This included stalls that were held as part of events and fairs.  It also included car boot sales, antique and craft markets, general markets and farmers’ markets. 

There had been an increase in recent years of all types of markets.  These ranged from car boot sales to raise money for charity to general and speciality markets run as businesses.

It was recognised that markets could play a valuable role in local economies but the council did not currently have a policy that allowed for new markets to be set up or for permission to be granted to someone to do so.  Whilst there was no policy in place, the council could not regulate the quality or number of markets in North Lincolnshire. 

A policy could be put in place to allow the council to establish a market under section 50(1) (a) of the Food Act 1984 and grant a ‘Market Consent’ to a person, body or organisation to run a market. 

The report gave details of how the policy would be put into practice and issues to be considered if such a policy were implemented. 

Resolved – (a) That the Cabinet Member acknowledges the work carried out to date to develop a Markets Policy as outlined in the report as the best way forward, and (b) that the draft policy be submitted for approval to the January 2012 Cabinet Member briefing. 

34  (34) MODERNISING SCUNTHORPE MARKET – The Director of Infrastructure Services submitted a report considering options for the long and medium term to help attract more shoppers and traders to Scunthorpe Market. 

It was now nationally recognised that markets made a valuable contribution to the success of town centres.  They encouraged shoppers into town for their food shopping, supported and grew local businesses, played a valuable social role and added local distinctiveness. 

Scunthorpe Market had two halls, the Old Hall and the newer (1970s) Food Hall. The Old Hall traded on Fridays and Saturdays.  The Food Hall was open six days a week (not Sunday).

In 2009 the Economic Development and Corporate Issues Scrutiny Panel reviewed the council’s markets. It acknowledged the contribution that markets made and recommended that the council invested in the future of the markets so that they were looked upon as a primary mechanism for delivering the council’s shared ambitions of “an area that is thriving” and “communities that are confident and caring”, rather than just as an income stream for the council. 

The traders had been consulted as to what physical changes they would like to see to the markets.  They voted to bring the stalls in from the outdoor ‘Old Barn’ area and to make the area brighter and more welcoming for shoppers.  Recommendations from the Scrutiny review were attached as Appendix 1 to the report and achievements so far had also been included. 

The report gave full details of options for consideration, including financial implications. 

Resolved – (a) That Option 2, as set out in the report, be endorsed, and (b) that the proposal to release the required funds from the Property Trading Account, as set out in paragraph 5.1 of the report, be authorised. 

The following items contain exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended). 

35  (35)  PROPERTY TRANSACTION SCHEDULE – The Director of Infrastructure Services submitted a report seeking for consideration, and where necessary approval, of a schedule containing the terms of all recently negotiated property transactions. 

The schedules covered both operational and commercial property. 

Resolved – That the schedule appended to the report be approved.

Where there is no report this is because it is exempt, as it contains information which is considered to be of a confidential nature, as detailed in the Local Government (Access to Information) Act.