An apology for absence was received from Councillor Hanton.

The Chairman declared an Interest in the item relating to the Great Yarmouth Air Show in his capacity as a Member of the GY Bid and as a member of the Great Yarmouth Air Show Management Group and in line with the Constitution was allowed to speak and vote on this matter. 

Councillor Hammond declared an Interest in the item relating to the Great Yarmouth Air Show in his capacity as a Member of the GY Bid and as a member of the Great Yarmouth Air Show Management Group and also declared an personal interest in the item relating to the Market Policy and in line with the Constitution was allowed to speak and vote on this matter. 

Councillor Jeal declared an Interest in the item relating to the Great Yarmouth Air Show in his capacity as a member of the GY Bid and in line with the Constitution was allowed to speak and vote on this matter. 

The minutes of the meeting held on the 6 June 2016 were approved subject to the amendment of the spelling to the surname of Councillor Walch.

A Member asked in relation to a question that had been raised at the previous meeting but that had not been noted within the minutes in relation to a request for 5 year breakdown of costs for the Great Yarmouth Fayre, the Transformation Programme Manager advised that due to the completion of the end of year accounts, a member of the Council's Finance department was unable to attend until September, therefore this matter would be reported on at the next Committee meeting.

A Member asked in relation to item 7 when this matter would be brought back to the Committee, and it was advised that this item would be reported to the next Committee meeting.

A Member asked in relation to a Declaration of Interest that had been declared by Councillor Grant at the last meeting, it was advised that due to Councillor Grant's absence this matter be raised at the next Committee meeting.

The Committee considered the report from the Group Manager (Housing and Neighbourhoods).

The report provided Members with an update on the Coastal Communities Fund - Round 4. Members were advised that following the briefing to the Committee in June the Council submitted a stage 1 application entitled " Coast and Culture" to the Coastal Communities Fund on the 30 June 2016. The bid proposal was for £1,999,748, which consisted of a capital request to provide required match-funding to Heritage Lottery Investment in the Waterways and potential investment in the Winter Gardens, along with revenue funding to provide dedicated support to local residents, particularly those aged 18-30 to start up their own businesses and enterprises in the broader cultural and creative sector, with a target of creating 180 new jobs.

The Group Manager (Housing and Neighbourhoods) reported that a decision on round 1 would be made by the end of August 2016, with round 2 submissions due towards the end of 2016. Projects should be ready to commence from April 2017 and would need to have completed by December 2019. The Great Yarmouth Coast and Culture bid is well placed to respond to the timetable and its objectives. 

RESOLVED :

That the Committee note the current position of the bid and request a further update once the Round 1 decision had been made.

The Committee considered the comprehensive report from the Transformation Programme Manager which set out the proposed Market Policy for 2016.

The Transformation Programme Manager advised that it was hoped the Market Policy would be one central document for Market Traders and the Council and that it be recommended that the policy be reviewed on an Annual Basis with traders being asked for feedback as part of the annual review.

The Transformation Programme Manager reported that as part of the budget setting process for 2016/17 it is recommended that the existing fees and charges schedule be reviewed and that the Committee should be minded to approve the Market Policy,  which would also result in seven outstanding audit requirements would be complied with.

A Member raised concern in relation to the changes from Licenses to Leases and the implications this may cause. The Transformation Programme Manager reported that the licenses / leases would be focused upon the 6 day market traders due to case law the current licenses held could already be interpreted as a lease. The Committee were advised that the Transformation Programme Manager was working closely with property specialists at NPlaw and it was suggested that an update on the proposals be brought back to the next Committee Meeting.

A Member pointed out that when previous fees and charges had been introduced, a 12 month reduced period had been given to encourage regular two day traders to trade throughout a year. A Member raised the issue of the current level of fees applied to Market Traders and that this was not in line with the 2% plus RPI policy in place. The Chairman pointed out that due to issues surrounding the Market, new initiatives were imperative, but advised that should changes be required to the fees and charges these would need to be agreed by full Council.

Some concern was raised in relation to the comments published within the Market Place consultation document.

A Member stated that in relation to 3.7 within the Market Policy document, he felt that it was unfair for Market Traders to be restricted to a maximum of 14 days closure of their stall for holidays. The Transformation Programme Manager advised that the Market Traders comments had been taken into account therefore allowing for closure of a six day market stall for 14 days once a year to accommodate a holiday, she advised that this 14 day period would be charged the standard fee.

A Member pointed out that no comments had been received from Market Traders to state they wanted anything extra than what was detailed in the Policy.

A Member pointed out that no comments from within the Market Traders Consultation had requested more than 14 days holiday.

In conclusion it was suggested that the policy be amended to allow six day market traders to close their stall for a maximum of four weeks, but that this period not be taken consecutively and that a maximum of 15 continuous days could only be applied.

A Member sought clarification relation to the £10 table scheme, it was advised that due to the condition of the gazebos the scheme was currently on hold, but that work was being undertaken with Enterprise GY to look at potential "start up" premises, although the fees for this had not yet been agreed.

A Member asked in relation to the Appeals Procedure and why the procedure was dealt with by Officers and not the Council's Appeals Committee. It was advised that the current policy advises that an appeal would be heard by a Director following the strategic framework set by Members. It was suggested that the Market Policy be changed to allow the decision to be made by the Council's Appeals Committee.The Transformation Programme Manager suggested that advice be taken from the Monitoring Officer, and then following his advice it was proposed that a subsequent email be forwarded to all Committee Members with an overall agreement for the members not to change the appeal from being heard by an officer to the Appeals Committee.

Concern was raised in relation to the timescale given of 3 working days notice to Traders as it felt this was not an adequate length of time, and it was suggested that this timescale be revised to 7 working days.

A Member raised concern in relation to Gas supply and Gas Cylinders and requested that the policy be amended to state that appropriate Gas Safety Certificates are required.

RESOLVED :

(1) That Section 3.7 of the Market Policy be amended to :-

Where possible all traders are encouraged to make alternative arrangements to put in place cover when holidays are taken. If this is not possible six day traders may close their stall for a maximum of 15 days in a row and two day traders may not attend four consecutive markets (Wednesdays and Saturday), in any one period, with a total maximum holiday period of 4 weeks to be taken in any one year.

(2)That Section 26.4 of the Market Policy be amended to :–

For all serious matters a formal hearing must take place, even if immediate action has been taken. For such a hearing at least seven working days’ notice must be given to the trader. The Council will aim to undertake any formal hearing by 28 days from the matter being raised, and that if this period is extended the trader will be notified in writing to include the reasons why.

(3) That Section 27.2 of the Market Policy be amended to :–

The decision of the Director or other appointed officer shall be final in all respects. An appeal hearing will then be scheduled within 28 days from the appeal being lodged. For such a hearing at least seven working days’ notice must be given to the trader.CARRIED

(4) That Section 18.1 of the Market Policy be amended to :-

A gas supply is currently available on the six day market only. Gas cylinders can be used by traders on the two day market. Appropriate Gas Certificates must be obtained and available to the Council on request.

The Committee considered the report from the Transformation Programme Manager which provided Members with an overview of critical areas in which the Borough Council can work with the Great Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area (GYTABIA) to help stage a safe and exciting Air Show experience for residents and visitors alike recognizing the strategic importance of a new Air Show to the local economy.

A Member asked in relation to the insurance cover for the event and what the implications to the Council would be, should a cost be incurred for extra cover, further concern was raised in relation to the amount of Officer time allotted to the project and all associated costs. The Chairman advised that insurance costs would be financed by the Great Yarmouth Bid, and that Officer time should be prioritised to prevent costs escalating.

A Member stated that those Ward Councillors for Central and Northgate Ward and Yarmouth that have not been allocated seats on the Air Show Management Group should be kept well informed of any meetings that take place.

A Member asked if the concession holders would be making a financial contribution to attend the event, and this was confirmed. A further question was raised in relation to public facilities, and it was advised that this matter was currently being looked in to.

A Member suggested that the GY Bid should be asked to provide regular update to all Council Members.

RESOLVED :

That the Committee agree to the following recommendations :-

(1) That approval be given, subject to securing Traffic Management Orders, the closures of the Great Yarmouth seafront short-stay car parks during the Air Show period (to a maximum of 9 days); understanding that it is unlikely that all closures will be operated for the full 9 days.

(2) That approval be given, subject to securing Traffic Management Orders, the designation of ‘Premium Car Parking’ on North Drive Car Park, St Nicholas Car Park and Euston Road Car Park during the four Air Show display days as part of an overall Air Show parking strategy managed by GYTABIA.

(3) That the Committee grant permission to GYTABIA to use key GYBC owned spaces including the short stay car parks along the Marine Parade/North Drive (as set out in Appendix A) for trade promotional units on the understanding that GYTABIA work with the GYBC Property Department to assist with sensitive positioning.

(4)That the Committee note the average income from the seafront car parks during similar periods in 2015 & 2016 and grant permission on the understanding that GYTABIA pay the Council the corresponding amounts from their collections through premium parking fees to ensure that GYBC enjoys a cost-neutral position.

(5) That the Committee note the GYTABIA plans for out of town park and ride schemes and agrees to work with GYTABIA to make use of Council-owned land on a cost-neutral basis.

The Committee agreed that the next meeting of the Economic Development Committee be held on the 7 September at 18:30.