Issue - meetings

(i)            That the offer from Market Place Management be accepted.

(ii)          That officers ben authorised to take all of the necessary steps, in consultation with the relevant  Portfolio Holder(s) to execute the new market management arrangements at the earliest opportunity.

A report was submitted to Cabinet advising Members of the outcome of a recent tendering exercise to enable necessary decisions to be made regarding the future operation and management of the Market.

Two options were put forward or consideration – to contract with Market Place Management (MPM) or to continue with the in-house delivery arrangement.

Members considered, on balance, that the awarding of a contract for MPM would represent the best outcome from a service delivery and value for money perspective.

The Portfolio Holder for Town Centres, Property and Business stated that the work put in by officers to manage and operate the market over the years should be acknowledged.

The Leader thanked the members of the Economic Development and Enterprise Scrutiny Committee for their piece of work on the Markets and stated that it must be recognised that markets had changed and was very positive that the contract would be good for the future of the Market and the  town’s economy.

Resolved:     (i)        That the offer from Market Place Management be

accepted.

(ii)        That officers ben authorised to take all of the necessary

steps, in consultation with the relevant  Portfolio Holder(s) to execute the new market management arrangements at the earliest opportunity.