Issue - meetings

To agree the Southwark Markets and Street Trading Strategy and the commencement of further consultation on changing the legislative framework from the London Local Authorities Act 1990 as amended and the relaxation of the existing five stall away rule.

The cabinet received a deputation from the Southwark Association of Street Traders (SAST) on the proposals contained in the report.  The SAST representative Mr John Wallington welcomed the strategy but reported that the street traders were strongly opposed to the proposal to change the legislative framework from London Local Authorities Act 1990 to Part 111 of the Food Act 1984 and to the proposed relaxation of the five stall away rule.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the Southwark Markets and Street Trading Strategy attached as appendix 1 of the report be agreed.

2.  That officers be authorised to begin implementing an improvement action plan outlined in appendix 2 of the report.

3.  That officers commence further consultation on changing the legislative framework from London Local Authorities Act 1990 as amended to Part 111 of the Food Act 1984.

4.  That consultation be carried out on the following proposal:

·  to relax the five stall away rule only under the following circumstances: Either when a temporary trader wishes to trade and enforcing the 5 stall away rule would mean the trader would be unable to trade on that day; or if an existing licensed permanent trader wishes to expand by taking on an adjacent vacant stall. A minimum of 1 stall away would always remain.

5.  That participation in market development be further invigorated by creating a strategic quarterly forum with the lead member, officers, Southwark Association of Street Traders (SAST), and any other relevant parties.