As well as the Oral Evidence Session that contained a presentation from NABMA Chief Executive, Graham Wilson the Select Committee also spent time out on the market meeting Councillors, traders and the general public. The lunchtime activities included a DVD of Nuneaton and Bedworth Markets and their influences on regeneration, tourism and community cohesion.

The Communities and Local Government Committee has decided to launch this inquiry into traditional retail markets. The inquiry will consider covered and uncovered markets, including specialist markets (e.g. farmers markets) serving local people in English urban and rural towns and cities. Car-boot sales and markets whose customers are predominantly other professional traders are outside the scope of this inquiry.

The Committee's inquiry will focus on the following questions:

Traditional retail markets today

• How has the picture changed over the last 10 years?
• Are the number and types of markets in decline? If so, why?
• Are there obstacles preventing the creation of more markets?
• Are there obstacles hindering the successful business of existing market operators and traders?
• What has been the impact of specialist markets e.g. continental and farmers markets, and do such markets integrate successfully with older markets?

Their Social and Economic effects

• What social and economic effects do traditional retail markets have on their local communities?
• What qualities contribute to a successful market delivering social and economic benefits, and are there examples of best practice that have a wider application?

Realising the potential of traditional retail markets

• Does local government support markets effectively?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of local authorities having powers to operate markets?
• Does central government support markets effectively? If not, what additional support should be provided?
• Could central government make better use of markets to achieve national goals, particularly with regard to social cohesion, health and regeneration?

Planning and licensing issues

• Do local and national planning regulations support or hinder the development of markets?
• Do licensing regulations support or hinder the development of markets?
• What improvements could be made to the planning and licensing regimes to aid the development of markets?