Decision(s) taken:

To take various actions, updating those that were taken by the Strategic Director on 23 March 2020 and 31 March 2020 to support the market during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Decision of:

Head of Environmental Services

Date of decision:        

11 June 2020

Matter for Decision:

To agree revised measures below for market traders, in response to changes in Government Covid-19 measures.

•        Re-open standard rate pitches, from Monday, 22nd June, in accordance with proposed ‘Covid safe’ market recovery plan

•        Re-introduce pitch fee charges when the current 12-week ‘holiday’ period finishes (from Monday, 15th June) for premium rate pitches only with the exception of those that have standard rate pitches attached to their premium rate pitches

•        For those that cannot return to trade, and/ or do not engage with the council over their intention to return, the expectation will be that they will need to surrender their pitches, however, we would not to re-licence their pitches for a period of 12 weeks, in order to give them the opportunity to re-apply for their pitch.  In the interim, utilise these ‘vacant’ pitches by charging traders who are allocated to them on a ‘casual’ basis.

•        For traders that are unable to return to trade on standard rate pitches, fee charges will be with-held until weekly alternating internal aisle trading system introduced; and/ or alternative street locations are provided for them to trade from

•        Revert to 2019/20 premium/ standard pitch fee rates to support market recovery and trader business development, given Covid impact on city centre footfall, including significantly reduced tourist levels, increased home-working and university students not returning until autumn

•        Extend £10 ‘discounted’ fee rate for stand rate pitches (currently only Monday & Tuesday) to Monday-Friday until the end of the financial year

Any alternative options considered and rejected:

The decisions are based on the Council’s recovery planning and in the light of Government guidance.

Reason(s) for the decision including any background papers considered:

An urgent decision under paragraph 2 of section 9, Council Procedure Rules was necessary to enable traders to be advised urgently of the Council’s position effective from 15 June 2020.  All decisions were based on the latest guidance and information resulting from the Covid-19 situation. 

Conflicts of interest and dispensations granted by the Chief Executive:

None.

Other Comments:

The Executive Councillor Climate change, Environment and City Centre, was consulted prior to the decision being taken.

There will be budgetary implications of these decisions which will fall outside of the current budgetary framework and be reported in the Council’s financial planning and response to Covid-19..

Reference:

2020/OfficerUrgent/EnC/13

Contact for further information:

Joel Carre, 01223 458201 joel.carre@cambridge.gov.uk