Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence received.

Councillor Photay declared that he had worked for a few months on Bilston market in 1998.

[To approve the minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record.]

The minutes were approved  as an accurate record of the previous meeting.

[To consider any matters arising from the minutes.]

Cllr Rowley asked whether there was more information regarding the access requirements referred to on page 3, which Steve Perry had agreed to investigate. Tessa Johnson agreed to find out this information for the next meeting.

Cllr Rowley asked for information regarding the parliamentary act due in October 2014, referred to on Page 4 and 5. Steve Barlow informed the committee that a training session was scheduled for next week and the committee could be updated on the change in law after that. 

[To receive an update on the schedule and feedback on all on-going petitions.]

The committee resolved to receive the update.

[To consider the petition.]

Cllr Evans welcomed the new members of the petition committee.

The petitioners stated their names for the record as Jag Sandhu, Eric Bateman and Colin Caddick. Jag Sandhu outlined the basis for the petition, and that it was in opposition to the 5% increase. The petitioners had met with Council representatives before the rent rise and they reported that they had requested another meeting before 11 March. Jag Sandhu claimed that they were refused a meeting until after 11 March, when the rent rises were agreed by Cabinet. The petitioners felt the rise was conducted democratically and for a number of years, rises had been imposed quickly. Jag Sandhu reported that the petitioners felt that the market is a success story and brings a lot of money to the city. Eric Bateman added that the traders are paying more rent than the equivalent on the high street and reported that currently his market stall is running at a loss. 

Cllr Reynolds told the committee that the rent rise was only for weekly licensees, not long term lease holders. Over a five year period, it is about 2% a year which he claimed was a reasonable rise. Cllr Reynolds told the committee that this amounts to an additional cost of 70p and £1.90 per stall, and where there has been reports of higher rises, this is due to the trader renting multiple stalls. He reported that the Council feel it is reasonable as there is high demand for stalls, with 25 potential traders currently on the waiting list. Cllr Reynolds told the committee that charges can be varied if necessary and if demand drops they can be lowered. He added that Wolverhampton indoor market and Wednesfield market are all paying the higher charges. Cllr Reynolds told the committee that the Council has spent £250,000 on a new air conditioning unit which shows that they are invested in the market’s future. He added that license holders pay on a weekly basis, which means that stall holders can leave on one week’s notice if they so desire.

Chris Huddart recognised the fluctuation of the income of the market and if occupancy levels change than the Council can reduce the rents.

Mr Sandhu told the committee that in 2010/2011 there was a full Council debate on a petition regarding market rent rises. A 7% rise was initially agreed but this was frozen for the second year, equalling a 3.5% rise. Jag Sandhu questioned why in the report there is only a rise of 1.5% in 2010/2011. Chris Huddart responded that the freeze and petition in question related to 2009/2010, where there was a 3.5% rise. Jag Sandhu asked why only the indoor market traders’ rents were being increased, whilst others had a freeze. Cllr Reynolds responded that there was a move to minimise the difference between different types of license holders and equalise the charges.

Jag Sanhu told the committee that he did not believe that the Council had helped the market  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

[To consider the petition.]

The lead petitioner introduced herself as Emily Wilkinson and that her father, Mr Wilkinson, was accompanying her. She told the committee that there had been an ongoing problem with mice in her property before Christmas. Bait had been laid down by Wolverhampton Homes but this had not resolved the issue, and there were other nearby properties who were also experiencing vermin in their properties. She voiced her concern that the mice could affect the health of her children. She told the committee that she had had to pay pest control £65.

Steve Woodward told the committee Environmental Control had not been informed prior to the petition of an infestation. He also added that the table contained in the report listing pest control treatments included multiple treatments in the same property. He told the committee that since the petition, there had been a number of actions completed including rubbish removal and a review of the keeping of birds in the area and that he believes that the problem has now been resolved. Steve Barlow added that there had been nine complaints over the past seven years in the area.

Emily Wilkinson reported that she called Environmental Health three times after the bait had been laid, and she was told there was no sign of droppings. She was not pleased with the way that Environmental Health had treated her and felt that they wanted to pass on the issue to Wolverhampton Homes. She felt that they did not sympathise with her. Steve Barlow said he could not comment on a specific conversation but apologised on behalf of Environmental health if this was the case. He said that the team always responds to complaints, even if they do not have the remit for them, and they frequently liaise with Wolverhampton Homes, Public Realm etc to try and bring a resolution to issues raised.

Cllr Photay thanked the petitioner for attending. He asked for the names of Council employee she spoke to. Emily Wilkinson said that she was in shock after the call and therefore did not take their name. Cllr Photay asked for the team to be made aware of the situation and ensure they are polite whilst speaking to customers. Cllr Bolshaw asked the petitioner what lessons the Council should learn from her experience. Mr Wilkinson responded that they should listen to the services uers and respond appropriately, without passing the problem on. Emily Wilkinson said that she had been frightened of the mice and concerned about her children’s health and that she wanted to be treated correctly from the first contact. After the petition had been signed, she was happy with her treatment but felt that she should not have had to resort to a petition. Cllr Gakhal asked whether there were any fields in the area. Emily responded that there was a lot of building work, including apartments being built. Steve Woodward confirmed there was no nearby fields. Cllr Gakhal asked if there was any indication of why the mice  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.