Issue - meetings

Matter for Decision

The Officer’s report provided details of the proposed changes to Cambridge General Market (General Market) Terms and Conditions, the engagement exercise undertaken with existing traders and its findings, and subsequent recommendations for Scrutiny Committee and Executive Councillor review and approval.

A decision was needed to bring the General Market Terms and Conditions for Cambridge (currently known as Regulations) in line with current industry standards - as recommended by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) - and enable the Council to continue to operate clean, safe, attractive, and vibrant markets meeting its corporate objectives and the needs of customers.

The General Market Terms and Conditions were relevant to the day-to-day operation of Cambridge Markets and provided clarity on market powers so that there was a reference point for any action the Council may wish to take in respect of protecting and supporting its current and future markets.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Climate Action and Environment

      i.         Noted the approach taken to engage with Market Traders and their representatives on proposed changes to their terms and conditions (Section 7 of the Officer’s report), and the findings from this exercise (Section 5.4 of the Officer’s report).

    ii.         Approved the introduction of these new General Market Terms and Conditions.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

See Officer’s report.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Strategic Delivery Manager.

The Executive Councillor said the following in response to Members’ questions:

      i.         The Markets & Street Trading Manager liaised with traders to monitor their carbon footprint. Traders who generated high levels of waste were asked to take it away with them. Traders had waste management certificates that could be monitored.

    ii.         The project was to ensure the long-time life of the market, make it a better civic space and create better conditions for traders. It was not a way to cancel the market and get rid of traders.

   iii.         Traders were consulted on arrangements but there was a low response rate to liaison.

  iv.         Traders may be asked to move on a specific day to make the best use of facilities such as electricity. Traders would not be asked to relocate far, just somewhere else on the market.

    v.         Extenuating circumstances would be considered in (ref #7.3 on P50) “Traders that fail to attend the market for a period of 4 consecutive weeks without the written consent of the Market Management Team will be subject to disciplinary procedures”.

In reference to #7.3 and #7.8 the Strategic Delivery Manager said communication would start in writing then move onto other types if no response was received.

  vi.         The disciplinary procedure was amended and the objector who raised concerns was informed.

 vii.         The market square would always be the market square in the civic quarter plan. Plans were still in development.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.