Agenda item

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection (copy attached).

A report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection which updated Members on the progress in achieving the objectives set out in the annual Business Plan for the 3^rd period in 2012/13 (December – March inclusive) was considered. The principal subjects covered in the report were:

·           Promotion of the Markets;

·           Food Standard Agency;

·           Crossrail;

·           Billingsgate Roof Renewal Project;

·           Renting Vacant Premises;

·           Spitalfields Health and Safety Plan;

·           Energy Efficiencies;

·           Sickness Update and;

·           Finance Update.

A discussion took place on the possibility that one of the businesses at the Market could be eligible for investment by the City’s Social Enterprise Fund.  The Superintendent of Spitalfields Market would carry out some initial research to explore if the business would be eligible and, if so, inform the relevant business accordingly.

In response to a question by a Member, the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection explained that in relation to the sickness absence statistics all cases were being dealt with in line with the City Corporation’s Sickness Absence Management Policy.

In relation to the renting of vacant premises at the Markets, the Superintendent of Smithfield Market explained that various vacant units had been identified for potential letting and that a plan was being drawn up for this to be undertaken in phases.

In response to a question by a Member, it was noted that the property agent’s signs outside Billingsgate Market would be removed.

RECEIVED