Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and did a round of introductions.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Kevin Blake, with Cllr Kye Dudd attending as substitute, and Cllr Serena Ralston, with Cllr Ani Stafford-Townsend attending as substitute.

To note any declarations of interest from councillors. They are asked to indicate the relevant agenda item, the nature of the interest and in particular

whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest.

Any declaration of interest made at the meeting which is not on the register of

interests should be notified to the Monitoring Officer for inclusion.

There were no declarations of interest.

To agree the following minutes of previous meetings of the Economy & Skills Policy Committee as a correct record:

·       Monday 30^th Septmeber

·       Monday 4^th November

Cllr Tom Renhard advised that his apologies hadn’t been recorded in the minutes of the previous meeting on 4^th November and asked that this be updated.

Subject to this amendment, the Chair moved the minutes of the previous meeting on 4^th November as a correct record. Cllr Jenny Bartle seconded the motion and the Committee:

RESOLVED; That the minutes of the previous meeting on 4^th November 2024 be approved as a correct record.

The Chair moved the minutes of the Committee meeting on 30^th September as a correct record. Cllr Fabian Breckels seconded the motion and the Committee:

RESOLVED; That the minutes of the Committee meeting on 30^th September 2024 be approved as a correct record.

To receive any announcements from the Chair.

The Chair suggested that Members receive a briefing on Governance of the Harbour which falls within the remit of the Economy & Skills Policy Committee.

It was suggested that Members of the Economy & Skills Policy Committee go on a boat tour of the Harbour with the Harbour Master to help inform any future decisions to be taken by the Committee.

The Chair noted that the Committee would soon be establishing a High Streets Task & Finish Group which would be brought to Committee in due course.

Up to 30 minutes is allowed for this item.

Any member of the public or councillor may participate in Public Forum. Public Forum items must relate to the remit of the committee and should be addressed to the Chair of the committee.

Members of the public who plan to attend a public meeting at City Hall are advised that you will be required to sign in when you arrive. Please note that you will be issued with a visitor pass which you will need to display at all times.

Please also note:

Questions

1.      Written public questions must be received by 5.00 pm, at least 3 clear working days prior to the meeting. For this meeting, this means that questions must be received at the latest by 5.00 pm on Tuesday 3^rd December. Please email questions to policycommittees@bristol.gov.uk

2.      Any individual can submit up to 3 written questions.

3.      Written replies to questions will be available on the Council’s website at least one hour before the meeting.

4.      At the meeting, questioners will be permitted to ask up to 2 oral supplementary questions.

Statements

1.      Written statements must be received at latest by 12.00 noon, at least 2 working days prior to the meeting. For this meeting, this means that statements must be received at the latest by 12.00 noon on Thursday 5^th December. Please email statements to policycommittees@bristol.gov.uk

2.      Statements, provided they are no more than 1,000 words in length, will be circulated to all committee members and will be published on the Council’s website at least one hour before the meeting.

Petitions

1.      Details of the wording of any petitions, and the number of signatories to petitions must be received at latest by 12.00 noon, at least 2 working days prior to the meeting. For this meeting, this means that petition details must be received at the latest by 12.00 noon on Thursday 5^th December. Please email petition details to policycommittees@bristol.gov.uk

2.      At the meeting, individuals presenting petitions may be required to read out the objectives of the petition.

When submitting a question or statement please indicate whether you are planning to attend the meeting to present your statement ask your question.

The Chair noted that the Committee had received 10 Public Forum questions and 2 Public Forum statements as follows:

Questions:

• In response to supplementary questions from Ben Ewing, officers confirmed that the Harbour governance arrangements had been designed following legal advice but could be subject to review.
• In response to supplementary questions from Phoebe Arrowsmith-Brown (presented by Ben Ewing), the Chair advised that the Committee could not change any decisions made by the previous administration, but the Committee aims to be thorough and transparent in any future decision making.

Statements:

Resolved; That the Public Forum be noted.

To consider proposals to achieve financial sustainability for St Nicholas Market.

That the Economy & Skills Policy Committee:

1.      Approved a 5% increase to be introduced from quarter 1 of 2025/26 (option A2).

2.      Authorised the Executive Director Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee to take all steps required to proceed to consult with all St Nicholas Market traders on options to review fee structures, including the potential to introduce a turnover model.

3.      Noted that a further report will be brought back to committee to take into account the outcome of the consultation and assessment of implications and seek a decision on options for a future fees structure.

The Committee considered a report on proposals to achieve financial stability for St Nicholas Market.

Summary of main points raised/noted in discussion of this item:

• Officers noted that St Nicholas Market has 63 indoor traders across the Exchange Hall, Glass Arcade, and Covered Market, and 50 outdoor traders on Corn Street and Wine Street. The occupancy rate across the markets was high with a long waitlist.
• Officers highlighted the financial challenges with income targets, and the need for capital investment to complete upgrade works.
• It was noted that the report provided options for increasing trader fees highlighting the consultant’s recommendation of a 5% fee increase which would align with other local authorities, and consultation with food traders on a potential turnover model.
• It was noted that the current fee structure did not meet the income targets set for the markets which were set to rise with inflation, and the fees were comparatively lower than other cities.
• Market traders had been informed of the decision that was to be taken on the review of fees, which would be consulted on should the Committee approve.
• Members were keen to understand the options for utilising the upper floor of the building for markets. Officers advised that it was grade 1 listed building and would require a significant level of investment, but they had commissioned a survey in order to understand the extent of building works required. Officers to confirm when they expect the survey to conclude. Action.
• Members noted that the night market event was popular, and they would like to see the markets open into the evening on a more regular basis. Officers were keen to explore but noted the resource constraints, and highlighted that some traders may not wish to extend their opening hours. It was suggested that options for night markets be raised in the consultation.
• There was a discussion around the impact of a turnover model on different businesses and Members highlighted that there may be a skills gap for small businesses in they way they manage their finances, and Members also hope this model would not result in the loss of anchor businesses.
• Members urged officers to be mindful in the language used when carrying out the consultation process to ensure it is inclusive of all types of traders, specifically around investment at this early stage, and around the markets being an ‘incubator’, as some traders may be happy with their current offer.
• Members urged officers to be open in the way they conduct the consultation, working with the market traders their ideas for the future of the markets.

• Officers confirmed that the fees had previously been updated annually in line with inflation, except during Covid-19, and that this would ordinarily be included within budget recommendations the Strategy & Resources Policy Committee.

Upon the motion of the Chair, seconded by Cllr Jenny Bartle, the Committee unanimously RESOLVED;

1. To approve a 5% increase to be introduced from quarter 1 of 2025/26 (option A2).
2. To authorise the Executive Director Growth and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.