Agenda item

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

A report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection providing Members with an update on progress in achieving the objectives set out in the annual Business Plan for the 1^st period in 2012/13 (April – July inclusive) was considered. The principal subjects covered in the report were:

·           Daily Mail report on shoppers making savings buying fruit and vegetables from markets compared to supermarkets

·           Love your Market and National Market Day

·           Progress report on Markets Byelaws

·           Olympic period

·           Spitalfields Rain Water Harvesting

·           Billingsgate Satellite unit 1 update

·           Finance update

A discussion took place on the Markets Byelaws Working Party which was reviewing whether there is a need for new byelaws for Billingsgate, Smithfield and New Spitalfields Markets. The Superintendent, Billingsgate Market, Chair of the Markets Byelaws Working Party, explained that the consultation process was underway and that confirmation was awaited from the Fishmongers Company before the consultation exercise was complete. He pointed out that Members views were invited by the Working Group to consider whether new byelaws might assist with the effective management of the Markets.

In relation to Customer Parking which had been introduced at Billingsgate Market at the start of July 2012 the Superintendent, Billingsgate Market, explained that Penalty Notices were fixed by a third party company and any net receipts from penalty notices would offset the service charge. The Director pointed out that the parking charges had been introduced at the request of the tenants.

A Member complimented the Director on a very useful and informative Report.

RECEIVED