Agenda item

Report of the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection.

Members received a report of the City Surveyor, for discussion with the City Surveyor and the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection in respect of an update on the Smithfield canopies and subsequent remedial work to address safety concerns around the site.

The Chairman emphasised that the key issue for the Audit and Risk Management Committee was to ensure that risks were identified and internal controls were in place to manage risks. Markets Committee would focus on the details of the events.

The Director of M&CP and the City Surveyor noted that works were underway to address safety concerns at the site. Some delays to works were related to the bespoke measurements to cover the necessary areas, and further surveys would be carried out for the other markets to ensure they were safe to operate.

The Director of M&CP noted that the risk assessment exercises which were conducted as a result of the incidents demonstrated the need for greater risk ownership, and confirmed that more robust arrangements would be put in place. The Head of Audit and Risk Management would be working with both departments to conduct an internal audit and identify risk ownership amongst the departments, and this matter would be considered by the Committee in March 2021.

RESOLVED – that, the report be received and its contents noted.