Agenda item

To provide an update on the Council’s Market Service Operational Action Plan.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report.

Following an independent review of the market operations in 2023, a number of concerns were raised around the governance of the Market Service, in particular the operational and financial practices of the service.  An Action Plan identifying required corrective measures was put in place and updates had been provided to the Governance & Audit Committee in June 2023 and September 2023.

The original market review identified several areas of concern, which included the vacant post of a Markets Manager, along with staff not having appropriate job descriptions or contracts of employment which led to their methods of working, not reflecting the Council’s pay policy.  Following two unsuccessful recruitment processes a new Market Manager was appointed and had been in post since 30th October 2023.

A 30-day consultation (with staff) commenced on the 30th October 2023. Toward the end of the consultation, market staff advised of queries about flexibility of contracts.  Final contracts were issued early in January 2024.  There were now 17 market staff on permanent contracts and 3 on casual contracts.

Most of the market workers would now be paid an annual salary at a set grade.  This meant each would receive a consistent and regular amount of pay each month plus any additional hours worked during the month.  They would also be entitled to paid holidays.

Current waste collection and disposal methods remained.  Street cleansing and waste disposal functions for the Grantham and Stamford (Friday) markets were undertaken by market staff.  The costs of collection and disposal of trade waste had effectively been historically subsidised and should not continue in the long term.  Traders at the Saturday markets at Stamford and Bourne were required to remove their own waste.

A significant area of concern in the original market operations review was that a number of traders were making cash payments for the hire of their stall/pitch.  This was a risk to the Council and to the officers designated to collect the fees.  Following the successful trial of a card payment system, traders were now required to pay either by this method or by direct debit. There were still a small number of traders paying by cash but the newly appointed Head of Service (Waste and Markets) was working with the Market Manager to eliminate cash payments.

Stalls at Bourne market had been checked and repaired by the original supplier.  The stalls used at Stamford were currently being repaired.  Once completed the operative carrying out the repairs was to move to Grantham market.  Delays occurred whilst seeking a specialist qualified contractor with the requisite documentation to do the work.

The markets operated in much the same way for many years and risk assessments and method statements had not been reviewed.  These were now in progress and should be completed by February 2024.  These were to be reviewed at least annually and also as and when required (e.g. in response to any accident or near miss) to ensure they remained responsive to the changing health and safety risks and issues faced.

Members raised the following points during discussion:

·       What was the feedback from market traders?  How would the feedback inform operational processes in the future?

·       The changes were largely welcomed.  A Member confirmed that most traders were willing to adhere to the new card-payment system.

The Leader of the Council said a market review team has been established and was to meet on 22 February.  This team would discuss strategies moving forward.  Today’s report covered feedback solely from the review.

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED that The Finance and Economic Committee:

1. Noted the updated position with respect to the Market Operational Action Plan and the progress made to date and provided any feedback.

2. Agreed that Markets returned to ‘business as usual’ given the appointment of a new Head of Waste Management and Market Services and a new Market Manager.