Agenda item

The Town Centre Operations Manager submitted proposals for fees and charges on Chesterfield’s open markets and for the Sunday car boot sale for 2015/16.

The report gave an explanation of how stall rents were calculated, details of stall occupancy, and an assessment of the temporary and longer-term factors influencing occupancy. The competitiveness of the proposed fees for Chesterfield markets was evidenced by comparison to the fees charged at other local markets. 

The proposed increase in stall rents for 2015/16 was based on the current layout and services provided.  The Council had recently agreed to appoint consultants to carry out a feasibility study and options appraisal for a possible reconfiguration of the Market Place. It was anticipated that the outcome of the feasibility study could lead to a more fundamental review of the fees and charges structure on the Market Place.

It was proposed that there be no increase in the fees for the car boot sale at the Proact Stadium, managed under the Council’s Market Charter Rights by Chesterfield Football Club.

It was proposed that a rent-free period for licensed traders be granted for a week in March 2016.

Discussions had been held with market traders at the Markets Consultative Committee when a 3% increase was proposed. The market traders had concerns about the affordability of the increase for those finding trading conditions difficult. It was therefore proposed that there should be no increase in electricity charges, the publicity levy or the storage charge in 2015/16.

An alternative payment system for an advanced payment discount scheme was discussed, however after consultation, no overall support for this scheme was offered by the market traders. This was therefore not considered a viable option to pursue.

An option of introducing a significantly greater increase in the charges was ruled out as there would have been a risk of reducing stall occupancy and income. Another option of leaving the charges unchanged was also ruled out as increases in the charges were required to deliver a balanced and sustainable budget.

Councillor Russell requested that his vote against the recommendation at paragraph 11.1 of the report be recorded.

*RESOLVED –

1)           That an increase of 3% be introduced from 1April 2015 on all stall rents on the general, flea and farmers’ markets as set out in Appendix A to the report.

2)           That there be no increase on the car boot sale fee at the Proact Football Stadium.

3)           That there be no increase on electricity and storage charges, and the publicity levy on the open market.

4)           That all licensed market traders be given one week rent free in March 2016.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS

To continue to secure a viable open air market in Chesterfield.

To ensure that the council receives an acceptable return on a valuable town centre asset.