Issue - meetings

Report from the Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:

1. Approve consultation to determine whether the Council should adopt Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.

2. Approve consultation on the draft Street Trading Policy, as outlined in the report.
   
   
3. Note that, following consultation, a future  ...  view the full agenda text for item 32

The report was considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board who recommended that Cabinet deferred consideration of the Draft Street Trading Policy and did not proceed to public consultation until further development work had been completed and sufficient supporting evidence was provided to ensure the policy was evidence-led and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32

Report from the Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:

1. Approve consultation to determine whether the Council should adopt Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.

2. Approve consultation on the draft Street Trading Policy, as outlined in the report.
   
   
3. Note that, following consultation, a future report will be presented to Cabinet in late 2026, outlining the final recommendations with regard to the adoption of Schedule 4 and the introduction of a Borough-wide Street Trading Policy.

At the Chair’s invitation the Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, Councillor Williams introduced a report outlining a proposed approach to regulating street trading across the borough. It was noted that street trading could make a positive contribution to local economies and high streets, but that unmanaged activity could also have adverse impacts on communities and established businesses. The proposed approach would introduce a consent-based system for street trading, supported by a new Street Trading Policy. It was explained that, subject to Cabinet approval, a two-stage consultation would be undertaken on both the adoption of the relevant legislation and the draft policy. A further report setting out the outcome of the consultation and proposed policy arrangements would be presented to Cabinet at a later date.

The Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment, Andrew Bramidge emphasised the need for a balanced approach that supported business growth while maintaining attractive and accessible town centres. It was noted that concerns had been raised by residents regarding uncontrolled street trading and its impact on public spaces. The proposed policy was intended to provide a more effective means of managing street trading than existing planning and highway powers, while ensuring that the interests of both businesses and residents were appropriately considered through the consultation process.

Councillor Blackham questioned the rationale for introducing the proposed street trading regime, commenting that the report did not clearly evidence the scale or nature of the issues it sought to address. Concerns were raised regarding the anticipated costs of enforcement, the basis for the proposed trader fees, and the lack of detail around how the scheme would operate in practice. It was suggested that the proposals appeared underdeveloped and that further clarity was needed on the objectives, costs and expected outcomes. Concern was also expressed that additional charges could discourage traders, particularly in areas with lower footfall, potentially impacting local economic activity.

The Licensing Manager, Alan Pogorzelec explained that the proposals were subject to consultation and that feedback from businesses, residents and other stakeholders would help determine whether the approach should be adopted. It was noted that concerns had previously been raised regarding uncontrolled street trading, while the absence of a formal framework also limited opportunities for new traders wishing to operate in the borough. Examples were given of situations where existing traders could operate but there was no transparent process for additional businesses to access the same locations. It was argued that the proposed framework would provide a fairer, more consistent and transparent approach to managing street trading, supporting business growth while balancing the interests of residents and existing businesses.

Councillor Blackham expressed concern about the proposed consultation period, noting that it would take place over the summer months. Doubts were also raised as to whether the proposed regulatory framework would address practical constraints on street trading, particularly in locations with limited physical space. It was suggested that the policy would not necessarily create additional trading opportunities where capacity was already restricted.

The Licensing Manager advised  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20