Agenda item

Open Market Fees and Charges 2018/19

Decision:

* RESOLVED –

1. That the proposal to not increase stall fees on the General, Flea and Farmer’s Markets from 1 April 2018, be approved.

2. That the proposal to reflect the decline in occupancy levels in the 2018/19 target income, be approved.

3. That the proposal to not increase the car boot sale fee held under licence by Chesterfield Football Club at the Proact Stadium, be approved.

4. That the proposal to not increase electricity and storage charges, and the publicity levy on the Open Market, be approved.

5. That the proposal to not offer a rent free holiday period to licenced traders in 2018/19, be approved.

REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

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

2. To ensure that the Council continues to receive an acceptable return on a valuable town centre asset through supporting traders during this continued economic downturn.

Minutes:

The Town Centre Operations Manager submitted a report recommending for approval proposed fees and charges for the Chesterfield open markets and the Sunday car boot sale, to take effect from 1 April, 2018.

It was reported that market occupancy levels in Chesterfield had declined by 6 per cent to date during the 2017/18 financial year, continuing the overall trend seen over the last 3 years.

A comparative benchmarking exercise had found that stall fees and charges in Chesterfield had remained competitive with other local markets’. The report proposed that the current fees and charges be unchanged for 2018/19, the full list of which was attached at Appendix A to the officer’s report.

The Town Centre Operations Manager also advised that, in light of the ‘no increase’ proposals, it was not intended to afford licensed market traders a rent free week holiday entitlement in 2018/19.