Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Nicholas Bensted-Smith, Alderman Bronek Masojada, Mark Wheatley, and from John Scott for lateness.

There were no declarations.

To agree the public minutes of the meeting held on 4^th March 2020.

Resolved – That the public minutes of the meeting held on 04.03.20 be approved as a correct record.

Matters arising

·         Action Log - The Chairman requested that an action log be produced to allow Members to monitor progress with outstanding actions agreed by the Committee.

·         Energy costs – The Chairman referred to previous concerns raised at previous meetings in respect of energy costs for market traders.  Despite the lengthy delay in sending correspondence to traders, the Chairman gave assurances that this matter was being monitored closely and further updates would be provided in due course.  A copy of the letter sent to traders would be circulated to Committee Members for information.

·         Smithfield Market Parabolic Dome – The Chairman requested an update on the justification for appointing a particular contractor to undertake this work.

The Superintendents of Billingsgate, New Smithfield and Spitalfields Markets to be heard.

BILLINGSGATE

COVID-19 Impact

Income generation opportunities had reduced substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for filming on site. Parking income had also decreased and some permit charges had been refunded.  Rental Income from advertising hoardings had been withheld by the tenant whose revenues from the site had fallen significantly and may be at risk. 

COVID-19 Testing

Part of the site had been used to host COVID-19 testing facilities.

Staffing

Although Fisheries Inspectors were not currently on site, CoL Environmental Officers were available to provide advice and support to tenants and traders

NEW SPITALFIELDS

COVID-19 Impact

Visitor levels had remained static during the pandemic Debbie and wholesale trade had not been affected much.  However, catering had been severely impacted and some businesses were not operating.  Social distancing measures were in place and PPE packs had been issued to tenants and traders. 

Barrier

The entrance barrier had been operational since 4^th February 2020 and was   generating income.  There were a few outstanding technical issues and the payment machine had been converted to accept cash.  There were also technical issues with the pedestrian gate and turnstile and it was anticipated that this would be operational by early autumn. Officers were liaising with the Comptroller’s Department to draft a letter making a case for compensation from the contractors in lieu delays in supplying/fitting equipment. (The Chairman requested that a copy of the letter be circulated to Committee Members)

Air Quality

No air quality measuring was taken place due to limited staffing resources

Energy Saving

Replacement LED lighting was being installed which would reduce energy costs after the initial 2 year payback period.

SMITHFIELD

COVID-19 Impact

Traders were working in challenging conditions and approximately 200 market employees were on furlough.  However, this number would decrease over the coming weeks as staff were recalled to

Report of the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection

providing the Markets Committee with assurances that appropriate risk management procedures are in place within the Department of Markets and Consumer Protection to satisfy the requirements of the Corporate Risk Management Framework.

In responses to questions and comments from Members, Officers advised that the COVID-19 risks had been closely monitored to ensure that the markets were able to continue operating and protect food supply chains.  Officers also flagged up the financial risks associated with reduced income generation opportunities

The Chairman appreciated the concerns of Members and stated that at the very start of the pandemic, COVID-19 associated risks were rated as red. However, given that the situation was more stable and there were robust measures in place to support tenants, on balance, given the current circumstances, the amber rating was appropriate.  The Chairman reiterated that Officers were watching closely to ensure that the risks were ranked appropriately.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

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

The Committee considered a joint report of the Chamberlain and the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection comparing the 2019/20 revenue outturn for the services overseen by the Markets Committee with the final budget for the year.

Officers advised that in response to a question from a Committee Member prior to the meeting, an updated table 2 had been circulated to Members (page 20 of agenda pack)

Officers highlighted the considerable impact of COVID-19 on the 2020/21 budget and it was also confirmed that the underspends listed on page 26 of the agenda pack had been carried forward.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

There were no questions.

Revised September meeting date – The Chairman advised that following consultation with the Deputy Chairman, the next meeting of the Committee has been brought forward (from 23.09.20) to 9.30am on 11.09.20.  This was to facilitate early appointment of the new Committee Chairman and Deputy Chairman and also to allow more input from Markets Committee Members on MCP related reports prior to any decisions being made by Policy & Resources Committee and Court of Common Council.

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 4^th March 2020.

The non-public minutes of the meeting held on 4^th March 2020 were approved as a correct record.

Joint report of the City Surveyor and the Director of Major Projects.

The Committee considered a joint report of the City Surveyor and the Director of Major Projects providing an update on the MCP.

Report of the City Surveyor.

The Committee considered a report of the City Surveyor updating Members on the emerging revised strategy for the future of the current Billingsgate Market site.

Joint report of the City Surveyor and the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection

The Committee considered a joint report of the City Surveyor and the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection seeking a variation to the previously approved terms for installing Electric Vehicle charge points.

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection highlighting levels arrears for invoiced income in excess of 31 days as at 31st May 2020.

Report of the Town Clerk

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk outlining action taken under urgency to provide support to tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There were no questions.

The Committee considered one urgent item of business.