Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Rooms, 2nd Floor, West Wing, Guildhall

Contact: Martin Newton
tel. no.: 020 7332 3154  Email: martin.newton@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Chair

Minutes:

Deputy Nash moved, it was duly seconded and

 

RESOLVED – That Alderman Mainelli takes ‘the chair’ until the election of a Chairman for the ensuing year is concluded.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

2.

Apologies

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Matthew Bell, Sophie Fernandes, Angus Knowles-Cutler, Tim Levene, Alderman Nicholas Lyons, Andrien Meyers, John Petrie, Ian Seaton and Mark Wheatley.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

3.

Members' declarations under the Code of Conduct in respect of items on the agenda

Minutes:

Gregory Lawrence declared a direct pecuniary interest in item 22 (Poultry Market), with regard to his previously declared employment and corporate tenancy interests in London Central Markets, and said that he would not take part in the decision on this item.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

4.

Order of the Court of Common Council pdf icon PDF 54 KB

To receive the Order of the Court of Common Council, 19 April 2018, appointing the Committee and setting out its Terms of Reference.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 4.

Minutes:

The Committee noted the circulated order of the Court of Common Council.

 

RECEIVED.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.

Election of Chairman

To elect a Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No.29.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 5.

Minutes:

The Committee proceeded to elect a Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 29.

 

The Town Clerk read out a list of Members eligible to stand as Chairman. James Tumbridge being the only Member indicating his willingness to stand it was

 

RESOLVED – That James Tumbridge be duly elected as Chairman for the ensuing year.

 

Mr Tumbridge thanked the Committee for their support. He went on to welcome, on behalf of the Committee, Mark Bostock, Benjamin Murphy and John Petrie as new members of the Committee.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

Election of Deputy Chairman

To elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No.30.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 6.

Minutes:

The Committee proceeded to elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 30.

 

The Town Clerk read out a list of Members eligible to stand as Deputy Chairman and John Chapman and Deputy Robert Merrett put themselves forward for this position. A ballot then took place to elect the Deputy Chairman and there was found to be 9 votes for each candidate. A second ballot was then held and there was found to be 10 votes for John Chapman and 8 votes for Deputy Robert Merrett and it was

 

RESOLVED – That John Chapman be duly elected as Deputy Chairman for the ensuing year.

 

Mr Chapman thanked the Committee for their support.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.

Public Minutes pdf icon PDF 150 KB

To agree the public minutes of the meeting held on 7 March 2018.

 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 7.

Minutes:

RESOLVED – That the public minutes of the meeting held on 7 March 2018 be approved as a correct record.

 

There were no matters arising.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

Appointment of Reference Sub Committee pdf icon PDF 66 KB

Report of the Town Clerk.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 8.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk and proceeded to appoint a Reference Sub Committee for the ensuing year.

 

RESOLVED – That the terms of reference of the Reference Sub Committee be agreed, with a revised composition of 10 members (Chairman, Deputy Chairman and 8 other members) and a membership for the ensuing year as follows:-

 

·         James Tumbridge (Chairman)

·         John Chapman (Deputy Chairman)

·         Peter Bennett

·         Mark Bostock

·         Michael Hudson

·         Deputy Edward Lord

·         Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli

·         Wendy Mead

·         Deputy Joyce Nash

·         Stephen Quilter

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

Superintendents Oral Updates

The Superintendents to be heard.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 9.

Minutes:

Having been informed by the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection (DMCP) that the new superintendent for Billingsgate Market would shortly be taking up his position, the Committee received oral updates from each of the Market Superintendents as follows:

 

Smithfield

 

·         The HGV unloading operations at Smithfield was still considered a Amber risk following an April audit across 4 nights.

 

·         There had been a reduced car parking uptake on the 2 concessionary Easter nights / days of up to 20% compared to the 2 non concession comparable nights for Easter 2017. There were fewer reported traffic issues and generally the market was quieter than the previous Easter.

 

·         The market is undertaking a litter campaign in consultation with the SMTA. 2 months of education and guidance to market users in conjunction with the CoL environment enforcement team with fixed penalty notices to be issued to continuing offenders thereafter. The Superintendent reported that a high percentage of rubbish was generated by buyers and distributors not necessarily market workers.  The market needed to demonstrate its commitment to reducing litter in the area and improving its image as a responsible neighbour to the wider community.

 

New Spitalfields

 

·         Chris Hutchinson had stood down as chairman of the tenants’ association after 14 years and had been replaced by Paul Walker.

 

The Chairman asked the DMCP / Superintendent to draft a letter for him to send thanking the previous chairman and welcoming the new chairman to his role. 

 

·         The possibility of leasing a replacement CCTV system was being considered with costs to be evaluated.

 

Billingsgate

 

·         There had been a visit to the market by the Fishmongers Company on 25 April.

 

·         Support would be offered and forthcoming for the new superintendent as he took up his new role.

 

RECEIVED.

 

 

 

 

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

Markets Business Plan Update pdf icon PDF 90 KB

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 10.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered the report of the DMCP on the Markets Business Plan Update.

 

RECEIVED.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

Final Departmental Business Plan 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 76 KB

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered the report of the DMCP on the final Departmental Business Plan 2018/19.

 

In welcoming the paper, the Chairman referred to comments received from some Members on the top line objectives set out on page 42 of the agenda pack and suggested the rewording of the first part of point 10 to alleviate these concerns, in the following terms:-

 

“10. Implement decisions based on findings of the Strategic Review of Markets and produce report for decision by Members.”

    

RESOLVED – That the Department of Markets and Consumer Protection final high-level business plan for 2018/19 be approved, subject to an amendment to the top line objectives set out on page 42 of the agenda pack and the rewording of the first part of point 10. in the following terms:-

 

“10. Implement decisions based on findings of the strategic review of markets and produce report for decision by Members.”

 

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

12.

Corporate Responsible Business Strategy pdf icon PDF 196 KB

Report of the Chamberlain and the Chief Grants Officer.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 12.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered the report of the Chamberlain and Chief Grants Officer on the Corporate Responsible Business Strategy. The following matters were raised.

 

·         In response to a question from a Member, an officer informed the Committee of proposals for employee engagement, including an internal communications campaign, work of the implementation group and plans for disseminating information across the organisation.

 

·         A Member suggested that paragraph 16 could be strengthened in view of the aims of the Strategic Markets Review.

 

·         The Chairman reminded Members that opportunity existed to contact the relevant officers with comments and views and that the Strategy remained a ‘live document’ that would be revisited and updated during its lifetime.

 

·         Noted that paragraph 4 contained a typographical error and should refer to September 2017.

 

RECEIVED.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

13.

Markets Committee Risk pdf icon PDF 205 KB

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 13.

Minutes:

The Committee had before them the report by the DMCP on Markets Committee Risk and the following matters were raised.

 

·         In response to concerns expressed by a Member that there had been no change in reported risk relating to unloading operations at Smithfield, the DMCP commented that the market is in a congested area and the risk had been reduced from red to moderate amber. The DMCP confirmed his view that risk would be likely to remain in this area whatever measures were put in place, but was managed in an appropriate way. The Chairman asked that officers report back to the Committee with an ‘ongoing thought process’ to reduce this risk.  

 

RECEIVED.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

14.

Farringdon Pavement Width - Smithfield Market Impact pdf icon PDF 58 KB

Report of the Superintendent, Smithfield Market.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 14.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee’s attention then turned to the report of the Superintendent, Smithfield Market on the impact on market operations arising from proposed pavement width alterations as part of development of the Crossrail station at Farringdon.

 

  • The Chairman referred to the difficulty for HGV turning movements from Charterhouse Street into Lindsey Street arising from the proposed pavement width change, which would create a pinch point and very little room for HGV vehicle manoeuvre, and the need for a ‘better balance’ to ensure these difficulties could be reduced.

 

The Superintendent confirmed that the revised design proposal for urban realm works at the north end of Lindsey Street would be available from the Department of the Built Environment in the latter part of 2019 following completion and opening of the Crossrail station. The Superintendent would continue to monitor progress of these works to ensure the operational concerns of the market are addressed. Following further discussion, it was

 

RESOLVED – That the Committee send a resolution to the Streets and Walkways Sub (Planning and Transportation) Committee to seek a reduction in the proposed pavement width sufficient to meet the concerns of Markets Committee and Smithfield Traders to ensure there are no problems for HGVs safely traversing the corner and accessing the market.   

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

15.

Smithfield 150th Anniversary pdf icon PDF 73 KB

Report of the Superintendent, Smithfield Market.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 15.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered the report of the Superintendent, Smithfield Market on the market’s 150 years anniversary arrangements and the following matters were raised:-

 

·         Noted that the market has been present on the site since the 10th century and that the current anniversary commemorated the Victorian market.

 

·         The Superintendent confirmed that the event is being organised by a Steering Group, led by the Director of the Museum of London, with the SMTA and the Market management being fully involved.  An event company has been employed to undertake the detailed planning and implementation. A Member confirmed that a ‘committed team’ is in charge of arrangements. At the suggestion of the Chairman, the Member said that he would request the SMTA to inform Court of Common Council members of the details to ensure wide publicity of the anniversary.

 

RECEIVED.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

16.

Markets Committee - 24 January 2018 pdf icon PDF 46 KB

Report of the Town Clerk.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 16.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee had before them the report of the Town Clerk on the vote on the Strategic Markets Review item at January’s meeting. The Chairman informed the Committee that he had also received a personal email from the Member regarding the matter.

 

RECEIVED.    

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

17.

Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Committee

Minutes:

There were no questions.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

18.

Any Other Business that the Chairman Considers Urgent

Minutes:

The Chairman agreed to a Member raising an urgent item relating to water condenser issues at Smithfield since the evening of 7 May.

 

The Superintendent, Smithfield Market confirmed he was unaware of these issues and the City Surveyor undertook to respond to the Chairman (with the Superintendent updating the SMTA) as soon as possible.   

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

19.

Exclusion of the Public

MOTION - That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

                                                                                     

 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 19.

Minutes:

RESOLVED – That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the remaining items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

 

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

20.

Non-Public Minutes

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 7 March 2018.

 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 20.

Minutes:

RESOLVED – That the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 7 March be approved as a correct record.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

21.

Tenancies at Will and Assignments

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 21.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the DMCP on tenancies at will and assignments.

 

RECEIVED.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

22.

Markets Debt Arrears - Period Ending 31 March 2018

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 22.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the DMCP on markets debt arrears for the period ending 31 March 2018.

 

RECEIVED.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

23.

Poultry Market

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection. 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 23.

Minutes:

With the approval of the Chairman, the Committee considered a late report of the DMCP on the Poultry Market.

 

RESOLVED – That the recommendations set out in the report be approved.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

24.

Non Public Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Committee

Minutes:

There were no questions.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

25.

Any Other Business that the Chairman Considers Urgent and which the Committee Agree Should be Considered Whilst the Public are Excluded

Minutes:

There were no urgent items.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.