Memorandum from the London Borough of
Brent (MARKETS 37)
Brent Council does not operate any markets.
There are three within the Borough operated by private companies.
We do not have any firm knowledge of the success
or otherwise of these markets but anecdotally they are becoming
less varied and not as well supported.
We do from time to time have French, farmers,
African, continental or craft markets that are facilitated by
Brent Council, but effectively may be managed by a third party.
These markets when held take place usually as a street market.
The markets take place by licensed consent with temporary street
trading licences being granted to individual traders.
Although Brent Council is not in a position
to comment on the current situation with regard to the viability
of markets, we have recently looked at the possibility of introducing
one or more regular street markets.
Officers have found current legislation confusing
and unhelpful with regard to street markets within London being
run by a third party or contracted to a market company. Initial
enquiries suggest that there are differing schemes in place with
each Authority.
We would welcome clear legislation that supports
Local Authorities facilitating or running street markets, particularly
through a market management company without weakening our powers
to prevent unauthorised or illegal street trading.
Our biggest problem is that whereas we are keen
to introduce street markets we do not have the expertise or resources
to manage such an operation in-house.
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