Agenda and minutes

            Apologies were reported on behalf of Aldermen Stoker and Webb and Councillors Kennedy, Magee, Reynolds and Verner.

            The minutes of the meeting of 17th February were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 2nd March.

            No declarations of interest were reported.

            In accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations, the Director sought the Committee’s authority to have a number of outstanding debts, amounting to £51,620.81, written off, a schedule of which had been submitted for the Members’ information.  He pointed out that all reasonable measures had been taken to recover the debts.

            The Committee agreed that the debts be written off.

            In accordance with its decision of 17th February, the Chair welcomed to the meeting Mr. J. Fox and Ms. S. Rasmussen, representing the Folktown Community Interest Company, who were in attendance to request that consideration be given to the waiving of the market licence fee, together with stall hire charge fees, for a three-year period at the Bank Square market.

            Mr. Fox indicated that the market would commence trading on Thursday, 16th April and that interest from prospective traders had been encouraging. He pointed out that the business plan, which had been formulated to oversee the viability of the market, had predicted that it would operate at a deficit of £10,200 and £4,900, in its first two years respectively. He outlined the wider aims and objectives of the market and requested that the Council consider waiving the licence fee and stall hire charges for a three-year period. He stated that such a measure would enable the market to establish itself and meet its targets in relation to regeneration and tourism. The deputation then answered Members’ questions and retired from the meeting.

            A Member pointed out that the Committee, and, in turn, the new Council, should be cautious in considering the request. He suggested that, should a precedent be established at Bank Square, traders from other markets might request that similar measures be implemented elsewhere. It was pointed out that the Council, without considering a robust business plan from Folktown, would not be in a position to meet with the request as submitted. It was suggested that the Council should firstly assure itself of the longer-term viability of the market and that further evidence of capacity building should be provided by the organisation prior to any decision being taken.

            The Committee agreed to refer the request in respect of the licence fees and stall hire charges to the City Growth and Regeneration Committee for its consideration.

            The Chair pointed out that it was the final meeting of the Committee prior to the implementation of Local Government Reform.  She paid tribute to the Members, particularly those who would be standing down from the Council, for their work over the past number of years and thanked also the officers for their work and dedication.