*RESOLVED –
1. That the fees and charges for the Chesterfield Open Markets for 2022- 23, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the officer’s report, be approved.
2. That the agreed 2021-22 rates of Fees and Charges be fully re-instated from Monday 28 February 2022.
3. That the concessionary stall rate of £10 per stall remain in place until Monday 28 February 2022.
4. That, as part of the market reconfiguration project being undertaken between 2021 and 2023, a review of the pricing structure be made during this time, identifying the premium and secondary pitches, following best practice adopted nationally and ensuring a value for money approach is taken to realise the full income potential of the market. These fees to be adopted for 2023-24, subject to the necessary consultation and approvals procedures.
5. 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 negotiated fees for new activities and opportunities that are introduced during the period covered by this report.
REASONS FOR DECISIONS
1. Supporting the town centre economy is a key priority for the Council. The Council recognises the importance of investing in town centre support and the need for a long-term recovery plan. It is felt that any increase in market fees would have an adverse effect on this strategy at this time.
2. In line with delegated authority, and with both Portfolio holder and SLT approval, concessionary rates for Traders have been in place since 23 March 2020, initially free rent until July 2020, £5 until September 2020 and currently £10, all per stall, across all market days. This is deemed necessary to support the market.
3. The impact of COVID-19 significantly reduced Markets income to the Council in 2021/22 however trader numbers have started to return to more normal levels of occupancy. It is anticipated that by 2022/23 levels will be back to pre-pandemic numbers.
4. As part of the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project the open market is set to benefit from a £1.15 million intervention alongside a wider Northern Gateway and public realm scheme. It is anticipated that this will support, strengthen and re-invigorate the market area ensuring it bounces back from COVID-19 and is ready to meet the future demands of the town centre.
5. It is imperative that the Council receives an acceptable return from the Market. The Council’s budget strategy is to deliver a balanced and sustainable budget. Given the forecast budget challenges it is important that all income streams are reviewed to support the delivery of a sustainable budget. As such it is appropriate to re-instate in full the stall fees agreed for 2021-22 to assist the Council in achieving a balanced budget for 2022/23.