Council and Democracy

Agenda item

Chesterfield Market Fees and Charges 2021/22

Decision:

*RESOLVED –

 

1.    That there be no increase to the fees and charges for Chesterfield’s open markets and Sunday Car Boot sale for 2021/22.

2.    That, as part of the market reconfiguration project being undertaken in 2021, the pricing structures be reviewed to identify the premium and secondary pitches, follow best practice adopted nationally and ensure a value for money approach is taken to realise the full income potential of the market.

3.    That the Service Director for Leisure, Culture and Community Wellbeing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, be granted delegated authority to apply appropriate fees and charges to new activities that are introduced during the period covered by this report; and to also negotiate pitch fees to support individual traders by responding to external forces that may impact directly on trading as well as initiatives to support new and start-up traders.

 

REASONS FOR DECISIONS

 

1.    The impact of COVID-19 has significantly reduced market income since March 2020 and continues to do so. Visitor, shopper and worker numbers to the town centre are directly impacting market occupancy, utilisation and income generation. Footfall in the town centre is significantly reduced and, trading opportunities are therefore greatly weakened.

 

2.    Trader numbers have steadily improved since 15 June when non- essential retailers could return to the market, however the market is fragile and trader morale and confidence is extremely low. The second national lockdown from 5 November to 2 December only further exacerbated the situation.

 

3.    In line with delegated authority, and with both Cabinet Member and SLT approval, concessionary rates for Traders have been in place since 23 March, initially free rent until July, £5 until September and currently £10, all per stall, across all market days. This is under continuous review but is deemed necessary to support the market.

 

4.    Whilst many of the Traders have been able to obtain financial assistance through the Discretionary Grant Scheme a significant number do not qualify for any assistance, as they do not meet the criteria required to apply. The Council continues to support the traders through targeted marketing schemes and infrastructure investment, including shop local, Christmas lights and Christmas promotional activity, all aimed at driving footfall safely into the town centre.

 

5.    Although income will not be achieved for 2020/21, to increase any fees for markets could further exacerbate market occupancy and damage the council’s reputation in relation to bringing footfall safely back to the town centre.

Minutes:

The Town Centre Operations Manager submitted a report setting out the proposed fees and charges for Chesterfield’s open markets and the Sunday Car Boot sale for 2021/22. The report proposed no increases to the fees and charges.

 

The proposed fees and charges were detailed in Appendix 1 of the officer’s report.

 

*RESOLVED –

 

1.    That there be no increase to the fees and charges for Chesterfield’s open markets and Sunday Car Boot sale for 2021/22.

 

2.    That, as part of the market reconfiguration project being undertaken in 2021, the pricing structures be reviewed to identify the premium and secondary pitches, follow best practice adopted nationally and ensure a value for money approach is taken to realise the full income potential of the market.

 

3.    That the Service Director for Leisure, Culture and Community Wellbeing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, be granted delegated authority to apply appropriate fees and charges to new activities that are introduced during the period covered by this report; and to also negotiate pitch fees to support individual traders by responding to external forces that may impact directly on trading as well as initiatives to support new and start-up traders.

 

REASONS FOR DECISIONS

1.    The impact of COVID-19 has significantly reduced market income since March 2020 and continues to do so. Visitor, shopper and worker numbers to the town centre are directly impacting market occupancy, utilisation and income generation. Footfall in the town centre is significantly reduced and, trading opportunities are therefore greatly weakened.

 

2.    Trader numbers have steadily improved since 15 June when nonessential retailers could return to the market, however the market is fragile and trader morale and confidence is extremely low. The second national lockdown from 5 November to 2 December only further exacerbated the situation.

 

3.    In line with delegated authority, and with both Cabinet Member and SLT approval, concessionary rates for Traders have been in place since 23 March, initially free rent until July, £5 until September and currently £10, all per stall, across all market days. This is under continuous review but is deemed necessary to support the market.

 

4.    Whilst many of the Traders have been able to obtain financial assistance through the Discretionary Grant Scheme a significant number do not qualify for any assistance, as they do not meet the criteria required to apply. The Council continues to support the traders through targeted marketing schemes and infrastructure investment, including shop local, Christmas lights and Christmas promotional activity, all aimed at driving footfall safely into the town centre.

 

5.    Although income will not be achieved for 2020/21, to increase any fees for markets could further exacerbate market occupancy and damage the council’s reputation in relation to bringing footfall safely back to the town centre.

Supporting documents: