Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from John Scott (Chairman), Alex Bain-Stewart, Deputy Stanley Ginsburg, Christopher Hayward, Jamie Ingham Clark, Deputy Keith Knowles, Edward Lord, Professor John Lumley and Robert Merrett.

There were no declarations.

To agree the public minutes of the meeting held on 14 May 2014.

The public minutes of the meeting held on 14 May 2014 were approved as a correct record.

Joint report of the Chamberlain and Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

A joint report of the Chamberlain and Director of Markets and Consumer Protection comparing the 2013/14 revenue outturn for the services overseen by the Committee with the final budget for the year, was considered. The report explained that overall total net income during the year was (£0.561m) whereas the total agreed budget was £0.257m, representing an under spend and/or increase in income generation of (0.818m).

The Chamberlain presented this report explaining that for 2013/14 there was an overall surplus for the Markets & Consumer Protection Department. The table set out in the summary of the report combined both the local and central risk budget figures and the table at page 10 set out the split between both local and central risk figures. It was noted that future reports would ensure the cross reference of figures between the tables to assist Members. There was a local risk underspend of (£411,000) with proposals to carry forward £213,000 for various projects which were set out at page 12. Annex A1 provided a detailed breakdown of local risk and the reasons for significant variances and A2 provided a similar detailed breakdown and explanation for variances for central risk.

A discussion took place and in response to a question by a Member the Chamberlain and the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection pointed out that the proposed carry forwards were discussed with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman prior to being put forward to the Chamberlain for approval in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Resource Allocation Sub Committee.

In relation to the local risk underspend of £655,000 on the City Surveyor’s planned works, the explanations for this were set out at page 11. In response to a question from a Member on why the programme of works had been delayed the Superintendent of Billingsgate

Report of the City Surveyor.

A report of the City Surveyor provided Members with an update on the performance of the Condenser Water Cooling System, at Smithfield Market, which serves Tenants’ refrigeration equipment, and the works currently being undertaken to improve the system. The report highlighted that the performance of the condenser water cooling system was currently satisfactory. He reported that operating problems were experienced with two cooling tower fans in May 2014 which led to an increase in the water supply temperature. This caused difficulties for the refrigeration units of one tenant, although did not appear to affect other units. All cooling tower fans were now running again and the third phase of the City’s improvement works, aimed at addressing contamination in the system, was underway, and would largely be completed by the end of July 2014. He noted that the Spares Policy had been reviewed and maintenance inspections were taking place on the cooling tower fans.

A discussion took place and in response to a question by a Member the City Surveyor explained that the responsibility for the operation of the system was jointly of both the City Corporation and the individual tenants and that who would specifically be liable for a fault would be dependent on the individual problem.

It was noted that until a new service level specification of the system had been agreed the City Corporation would continue to operate to current standards.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

A report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection updated Members on the Enforcement Activity carried out by Markets and Consumer Protection enforcement officers and the Food Standards Agency, at Smithfield Market, during the four month period from 1 February 2014 to 31 May 2014. The report provided information on the work carried out by officers in delivering the priorities set out in the Food Standards Agency’s National Co-ordinated Food Sampling Programme 2013-14 and an update on the on-going City Corporation/Food Standards Agency joint initiative regarding food delivery vehicles that visited Smithfield Market. 

In response to a question by a Member it was noted that the total amount of verbal advice being provided to traders was not excessive.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

Report of the Superintendent of Smithfield Market.

A report of the Superintendent of Smithfield Market updated Members on the measures being taken to implement a more comprehensive Traffic Management Plan at Smithfield Market for the Christmas period 2014, in order to alleviate the congestion, and at times gridlocking, of traffic around the Market which was experienced during Christmas 2013. The report highlighted that there was an outstanding issue over payment for the increased resources that the City Police and officers considered was required for the expanded traffic management area which Members’ guidance was sought on.

It was noted that following further consultation with other interested parties, such as the City of London Police and Highways Department, a final Traffic Management Plan  would be presented for approval at the September 2014 Committee meeting.

The Superintendent explained that a considerable amount of work had been undertaken with various discussions taking place with the City Police, SMTA and other parties to improve the traffic management plan.

The Chairman invited the SMTA representative in the public gallery to give her thoughts on the proposed plan; she noted that the tenants were prepared to move forward with the traffic management plan and would engage with the proposal.

In response to a question by a Member it was pointed out that as a matter of routine neighbouring authorities were notified of road closures on boundary streets.

In relation to the funding of the new traffic management plan, Members were of the view that there should be no cost impact to this Committee. It was agreed that officers would explore potential funding streams, including the on-street parking reserve and bring a report to the next meeting.

Members thanked all officers involved in the work that had been carried out in devising the new plan.

RESOLVED – That Members approve the traffic management plan in

Smithfield Market Redevelopment Plans

In response to a question by a Member the Deputy Chairman pointed out that the decision to reject the Smithfield Market redevelopment plans by central government fell outside of the remit of this Committee.

There were no urgent items.

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.

RESOLVED – 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 Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act as follows:-

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 14 May 2014.

The non-public minutes of the meeting held on 14 May 2014 were approved as a correct record.

To be read in conjunction with the main report which features at item 5 in the public agenda.

A non-public appendix to item 5 was received.

There was one question raised.

There was one urgent item of business considered with only Members present.