Issue - meetings

[That the Cabinet Members for City Environment and City Assets and Housing respond to questions received].

Councillor Simon Bennett asked the Cabinet Member for City Environment:

“To ask the Cabinet Member for City Environment, what the Council is doing to support permanent market traders in light of concerns about markets on Dudley Street affecting their sales”.

Councillor Steve Evans responded the new market was a success story for the City. After significant investment the new city centre market had opened in July this year. The permanent traders had been supported during the transition period with a 33% reduction of fees.

He added the Council had a contractual agreement with LSD to run the themed market and that £10,000 from the contractual agreement was spent to support the permanent traders. Occupancy on a Wednesday had increased from 20% to 80%- which was an increase of 20 traders.

He highlighted there was also a variety of traders at the market, the themed markets organised by LSD increased the footfall into the city, for three consecutive years rates had been frozen to support the permanent traders. The market only trades four days a week, and more start up investment was required to attract more people in the city.

He added a chocolate and prosecco event was coming up which again would increase footfall. He was proud market was on the up.

Councillor Simon Bennett asked the following supplementary question:

Permanent traders had contacted him regarding the negative impact the themed markets had would the Cabinet Member agree that the Council had blown the tax payers money on the market.

Councillor Steve Evans responded that he had not been provided with any complaints of negative feedback from the traders, if Councillor Simon Bennett can provide these details he would be more than willing to have a joint meeting with Councillor Simon Bennett and the traders to address their concerns/issues.

He added the Council had invested in the market and by doing so supported the traders. This had led to increased growth of the market. The number of traders was also on the increase.

Councillor Wendy Thompson asked the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing:

What employment support the Council has made available to employees at the Civic Hall during the continuing restoration works.

Councillor Peter Bilson responded that since the restoration works commenced, the salaried staff who were part of the Civic Halls team prior to the establishment of the Visitor Economy team had been working across the service to support the other areas of the service. These include the Art Gallery, Bilston Craft Gallery, Bantock House, The Slade Rooms, Northycote Farm, Archives and large outdoor events like Vaisakhi. 

He added in recent years, the casual front-line staff had been predominantly supplied by Yoo Recruit. Since the start of this year, the level of work had not been available and so, these staff have either gone on to find other work or been deployed elsewhere in the Visitor Economy service when demand requires it. The Council continue to employ local people across the cultural estate in this way whenever  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8