Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bird and Lawn.

Councillor Hammond declared a personal interest in the item relating to the 6 day and 2 day Market Review in light of his daughter being a current market trader.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 19 November 2018 were confirmed subject to the following amendments :-

• Councillor Acenbach be amended to Councillor Cordiner-Achenbach
• That Councillor Wainwright referred to the report not the deal in the item relating to Brexit and Great Yarmouth 

Councillor Wainwright pointed out that it had been agreed that the Brexit and Great Yarmouth Document would be sent to all Members but to date had not been sent. He also referred to the comment that had been made by Councillor Cordiner-Achenbach with regard to agricultural and the inclusion of this within the document, it was suggested that this matter be discussed with the Head of Inward Investment for clarification.

Members received and noted the contents within the Economic Development Committee Froward Plan.

Councillor Wainwright asked for an item to be added tot he Forward Plan in relation to the National Resilience Forum - Brexit Planning it was agreed that this item be added to the Forward Plan and that the Borough Council's Resilience Officer be asked to present the item to the Committee.

Members received a presentation from Jonathon Denby, Greater Anglia which focused on the new rolling stock being rolled out across the network in 2019. Also, the investments made in the rail infrastructure.

In discussing the content of the presentation a number of questions were raised :-

• The updating of Great Yarmouth Rail Station - Greater Anglia are continuing to work with the Borough Council, LEP and other agencies to try and improve the area although transforming the station remained a challenge in that no works were funded. Recognition of new station forecourt public realm improvements.
• Reliability and usage of trains - Reliability has got noticeably better, certain factors such as increase in frequency of bus services and free bus passes have caused a knock on effect to the usage of trains but work was continuing to drive to push usage numbers.
• 92% of trains leaving on time and arriving on time does not include replacement bus services - replacement bus services would take longer than the train service however these are scheduled to take longer, it was confirmed that the 92% did not include replacement bus service times.
• Whether staff received a pay rise this year and how much ? - All staff received a 2.5% pay increase.
• Whether a Great Yarmouth to London direct service could be made available - There are no plans for this service although having Bi-mode capability could make this service more likely.
• Will there be a chance for complete re-development - At present there were no plans for complete re-development for the station however work would continue on this matter.
• The reliability and price of services in comparison to the bus services meaning that customers are tending to use the bus service over the train.
• The possibility for cross country direct lines
• Reference was made to the ticket machines in situ and whether there had been proposals for loss of ticket office staff, it was advised that there were no current plans for any loss of staff.
• Whether there were possibilities of freight trains using the Yarmouth facility.
• Lack of communication when rescheduling or cancellations are needed, particular reference was made to the issues relating to the beast from the east incident whereby trains were cancelled. Jonathon advised that they had worked hard to try and clear the tracks as soon as possible although snow ploughs could not get to the Yarmouth station as quickly as they would have liked.

The Chairman passed on the Committee's thanks for the presentation received and stated that he looked forward to the future proposals for the railway.

The Committee received and considered the Head of Customer Services report which provided Members with an update in relation to the implementation of Rapid Vehicle Electric Charge Points within Great Yarmouth.

Members were asked to note the update on progress for provision of a Rapid Vehicle Electric Charge Point on Fullers Hill Car Park, and to endorse the recommendation for the charging model and fee for usage of 30p per kWh used, to be approved by Council.

RESOLVED :

that Council be recommended to endorse for the charging model and fee for usage of 30p per kWh used.

The Committee received and considered the Head of Property and Asset Managements report which asked Members to consider recommending to the Policy and Resources Committee and Council the fees and charges for 2019/20.

The Head of Property and Asset Management summarised the main details of the report and advised Members that the recommendations within the report were as follows :-

• To recommend to the Policy and Resources Committee and Full Council that the 2019/20 fees and charges for two day Markets a year round rate of £1.00 per foot and to continue with the existing 50p per foot rate through to 31st March 2019.
• In relation to the six day market to maintain current fees and ask the Policy and Resources Committee and Council to consider the fees and charges as contained within the schedule.

The Head of Property and Asset Management reported that it had been a difficult process to compare other markets like with like in relation to markets as for example:sizing, pricing structure, types of goods sold, inclusion of service charging and VAT rules differed significantly.

The Chairman hereby allowed Ayeshia Hammond, Market Trader to summarise the number of views expressed by traders on  the six day and two day market place fees and charges.

In discussing the report the following questions and issues were raised :-

• Councillor Jeal commented that people are drawn to Great Yarmouth by the Market and stated that in his opinion it would be a shame to raise the fees for the 2 day market back up to a £1 and suggested that casual trader fees be increased to allow the 2 day market fees to remain at 50p a foot.
• Councillor Plant raised concern with regard to the reduction in fees in light of the financial difficulties the Council are facing in the near future.
• The Head of Property and Asset Management reported that 2 units within the Council's ownership had been rented at an an enhanced rate. She also advised that casual trader numbers had increased on the market but that these had not become permanent traders.
• Councillor Hammond made reference to Norwich Market whereby traders had been given small business rates exemption and stated that in his opinion if fees were increased there was a risk of losing traders altogether. He suggested that a 20% reduction be considered for the 6 day market traders, this suggestion was not carried.
• Councillor Wright reiterated the comments made by Councillor Jeal and stated that in his opinion felt that a continuation with the 50p per foot for the 2 day traders would maintain traders and continue to push the growth of the market.

Members asked the Head of Property and Asset Management ahead of the Policy and Resources Committee to look at the potential impact for the increase in fees for the casual traders if Members were minded to maintain the 50p per foot for the 2 day market traders and also to establish where the cost of this reduction would be funded from.

RESOLVED :

That Policy and Resources Committee be recommended to :-

(1) Continue with the existing 50p per foot rate through to 31st March 2019 for the 2 day market.

(2) Consider a reduction to 50p per foot for the 2019/20 fees and charges with the cost per foot for casual traders being increased to £1.30 per foot (subject to information received from the Head and Property and Asset Management as agreed above).

(3) Maintain current fees in relation to the six day market.

(4) Recommend to Council Fees and Charges as per attached schedule.

Members received a verbal presentation from the Senior Strategic Planner which advised Members of a draft planning brief which had been prepared to help guide future investment and potential development at Hall Quay in Great Yarmouth.

The Senior Strategic Planner reported that the draft brief would be taken to the Policy and Resources Committee on the 5 February 2019.

In discussing the report the following issues were raised :-

• The need for the right developments to be brought forward for this area
• Whether a roundabout is to be introduced at the Haven Bridge site - it was reported that a right hand turn was being considered.
• Concern with regard to units not being used for food and beverage and just being made into residential units.
• Whether the road and parking were to remain outside the Star Hotel, It was advised that this area was proposed to be pedestrianised.

RESOLVED :

That the Committee note the contents of the Senior Strategic Planner's report.