Agenda and minutes

At the start of the meeting, the Committee observed a one minute silence as a mark of respect, following the death of Alderman Sir Roger Gifford.

Apologies were received from Nicholas Bensted-Smith and Deputy John Scott.

There were no declarations.

To agree the public minutes of the meetings held on 10th March and 5th May 2021.

RESOLVED – That the public minutes of the meeting held on 10 March and 5 May 2021 be approved as a correct record.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk tracking progress on actions outstanding from previous meetings.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and completed actions removed.

The Superintendents to be heard.

The Committee heard oral updates from the Markets Superintendents on the matters set out below.

Smithfield

Trade - Trade was generally returning with a more noticeable increase in activity since the last government easement of Covid controls on 17^th May 2021. Wholesale trade had increased significantly but retail trade was quieter.  Traders were hopeful that in the coming weeks and months, trade would return to similar pre-pandemic trade levels. The Lord Mayor would be visiting the market on 10^th June 2021 and local businesses were also re-opening but were noticeably less busy due to the reduced footfall of office workers.

COVID-19 – COVID-19 risks were being managed appropriately and the Market had opened a Public Health approved Lateral Flow Test facility for all Corporation staff, approved by Hackney Public Health. Free lateral flow test kits were also available for all Market staff upon request.

HGV Audit –Following the audit on 21^st March 2021 which identified 13% non-compliance, an improvement audit was carried out on 3^rd May which indicated 8% non-compliance. The importance of full compliance had been re-iterated and letters had been sent to traders reminding them of their obligations to perform safe HGV tenant banksman controlled deliveries.

In response to questions from Members, Officers reported that Climate Change considerations were reflected in the Departmental Business Plan.

Billingsgate

COVID-19 - Traders were being encouraged to take regular Lateral Flow Tests and home testing kits were being distributed among traders and their staff.  Public Health guidance was being followed in respect of social distancing, face coverings, limiting numbers on the market floor, enhanced cleaning procedures and provision of PPE for staff. The market was also hosting a COVID-19 Mobile testing Unit 3-4 days per week on behalf of Tower Hamlets Council.

Trade - Tenants had

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection providing an update on progress made during Period 3 (December-March) of 2020/21 against the key performance indicators (KPIs) and key improvement objectives.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection outlining management procedures in place to meet the requirements of the Corporate Risk Management Framework.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection providing utilisation data on Smithfield Market Car Park for the period April 2020 to March 2021.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

There were no questions.

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 10^th March 2021.

The non-public minutes of the meetings held on 10 March & 5 May 2021 were approved as a correct record.

The Superintendents to be heard.

The Committee considered an oral report from the Superintendents on non-public matters.

Report of the City Surveyor

The Committee considered a report of the City Surveyor in respect of the letting of office space.

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection highlighting arrears of invoiced income.

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection reporting on Tenancies at Will that have been granted at the City of London’s Wholesale Markets and on lease assignments.

There were no questions.

The Committee considered one item of urgent business.