Agenda item

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Board considered a report of the Town Clerk in respect of the Annual Review of the Markets Board’s Terms of Reference.  During the discussion, the following points were noted:

1.        At its meeting in July 2023, the Court of Common Council had been supportive of the Markets Board continuing and for it to act  as ‘ultimate client’ for the Markets Co-location Programme, with representation on both the Capital Building Board and the Barking Reach Group.   Members suggested that this be reflected in the Board’s Terms of Reference as an additional point (c).   

2.        A general administrative update would be required, following the recent restructure, in that the Board should be responsible for appointment of the Markets Director only (i.e. – point b).

3.        In terms of ‘oversight of the management of all matters relating to Smithfield Market, Billingsgate Market and New Spitalfields Market and the letting of all premises therein’; at point (a),  it was suggested that this be expanded to include the new site in Dagenham.

The Assistant Town Clerk advised that the Barking Reach Group is purely a consultative group, which assists the SRO in discharging their function.  In order to consider any implications arising from the above suggestions, the Town Clerk further advised that any proposed amendments to the  Board’s Terms of Reference be delegated to the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Markets Board.

However, in concluding the discussion it was moved by Deputy Edward Lord, Seconded by Catherine McGuinness and RESOLVED, that – the Markets Board’s Terms of Reference be amended as follows:

a)         Oversight of the management of all matters relating to Smithfield Market, Billingsgate Market and New Spitalfields Market and the letting of all premises therein and the new site in Dagenham.

b)         The appointment of the Director of Markets and consumer protection (acting jointly with the Port Health and Environmental Services and Licensing Committees).

c)         To act as ultimate client for the Markets Co-location Programme and have representation on both the Capital Building Board and the Barking Reach Group.