Issue - meetings

To discuss the recent decision of the Executive in relation to a procurement exercise for Hinckley Markets. A representative of the market traders will be in attendance as witness.

Following a decision by the Executive at its meeting on 29 June 2016 to undertake a formal procurement exercise in relation to the operation of Hinckley Markets, some members of the Scrutiny Commission had requested to review the report before the decision being implemented. At the invitation of the Chairman, a representative of the market traders was in attendance as a witness.

During discussion, the following points were raised:

·         The importance of the market in drawing visitors to the town centre

·         The ageing profile of market traders who may take the opportunity to retire should a private operator be procured

·         Concern of traders about private management of the markets

·         The motivation of private operators being financial rather than operating in the interests of the town and current traders

·         The national decline of markets and success of Hinckley’s in comparison

·         The need to protect current stallholders being reflected in the tender documentation

·         Previous experiences of the Council of outsourcing had proven generally that services were better delivered in-house

·         The need to maintain a balance of traders, which is a policy unlikely to be maintained under private management

·         The need to give proper consideration to the matter, as it appeared to be a rushed decision.

A member enquired about the reasons for the report and whether it was due to a loss of revenue or other problems. In response, the Executive member explained that there were weaknesses, for example the Monday market and ageing traders, who may retire and their stalls may remain unfilled.

The following was requested by members:

·         Information on which other authorities had outsourced their markets and what results this had produced

·         To view the business case for considering a procurement exercise

·         That the Scrutiny Commission sees the documents before the tender is advertised

·         That the Scrutiny Commission has the opportunity to consider the outcome of the tender process prior to a decision by the Executive.

Councillor Bray wished it to be recorded that the Liberal Democrat group was opposed to any move to privatise the market and, seconded by Councillor Crooks, he moved that the Executive takes no further steps on the procurement of markets’ management until the Scrutiny Commission has had the opportunity both to examine the tender specification and to review the business case for change. Upon being put to the vote, the motion was CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED – that the Executive be RECOMMENDED to take no further steps on the procurement of markets’ management until the Scrutiny Commission has had the opportunity both to examine the tender specification and to review the business case for change.

Councillor Wallace wished it to be recorded that he voted against the motion.

To seek Executive’s approval to formally undertake procurement exercise in relation to the operation of Hinckley Markets.

The Executive received a report which sought approval for commencing a procurement process in relation to the operation of Hinckley markets. The importance of exploring all options for improving the market and of involving traders in the process was reiterated, in addition to public consultation. It was confirmed that a final decision on whether to outsource the market would only be taken once bids had been considered against other options. It was moved by Councillor Ladkin, seconded by Councillor Wright and

RESOLVED – the commencement of the procurement process be approved.