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GOVERNMENT UNDER MARKET PRESSURE
Wednesday 16 September 2009
Conference considered the report of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee on traditional markets with Andrew Griffiths, The Second Clerk to the Select Committee and Professor Alan Hallsworth, a Special Advisor to the Committee outlining the key conclusions to Nabma delegates.
The representatives of the Select Committee, pictured above with Krys Zasada, confirmed that 3 key recommendations existing within the report that urged Government to
- Ensure planning guidance reflects all the contributions that markets make to town centres.
- Provide a clear departmental lead with CLG urged to champion markets across Government and to act as a first point of contact
- Commission in interdepartmental working group to ensure all Government departments use markets to help deliver their wider objectives such as job creation, small business support, value for money, healthy eating, increase footfall into town centres. These alongside creating a stronger social focus and a more robust community character.
Nabma delegates were extremely pleased to hear the key recommendations of the report being outlined that forcibly reiterate the view that markets are worthy of local and central Government support as they bring a significant contribution and benefit to towns, cities and communities. Equal stress is also placed on economic and social benefits and the need for local authorities to develop a more strategic vision for their markets.
The report also highlights the need for a review of London market legislation that apparently, it is suggested, appears to impede the development of the strategic vision for London markets. Finally the report suggests that Government needs to be more involved in the big picture.
Nabma Chief Executive, Graham Wilson highlighted there are many positive messages within the report and a real challenge is issued to Government to respond
“Despite the initial negative media headlines attached to the report, its context and key messages are very clear and welcoming in that markets are considered to be important. They are seen as a focus of communities and if operated with commitment and investment than they can help deliver tremendous benefits and a wide range of both national and local objectives.”
events round up
Sunday 12th September - Tuesday 14th September
Annual Conference Read More
Tuesday 5th October
Street & Specialist Markets Seminar Read More
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