WIREDGOV

Markets are a national tradition from London’s vast array like Covent Garden, Smithfield or Petticoat Lane; or Leeds’ Victorian Kirkgate market recently visited by the Prime Minister; to Grainger’s traditional Market in Newcastle and the increasingly popular farmers’ market. But the growth of out of town supermarkets, discount stores, internet shopping and current economic climate have caused a prolonged decline in many places.

To ensure that the traditional market survives, the Government is taking action to support street, covered and farmers’ markets; in recognition of their significant economic and social benefits.

The Government will champion the interests of all markets with a new body that will bring together key government departments, representatives from the retail markets industry and the Local Government Association. Communities and Local Government will lead the group and assume the strategic lead for markets across Government.

Rosie Winterton said:

“Lots of us enjoy a trip to the local market – almost every community has one. They are part of our heritage and bring communities together. Some traditional markets even date back to medieval times and are the reason why many of our towns exist. For example my market in Doncaster is one of the biggest and finest markets in the North and has been around since the thirteenth century.

“Markets also play a vital economic role in the local community from providing jobs and business start-up opportunities, to often offering cheaper produce and attracting shoppers into the town centre.
 
“While the rise of out-of-town supermarkets, internet shopping and the current economic climate have made life more difficult for markets, they still have the potential to thrive.

“That’s why we have promised to champion the traditional market, raise its profile and ensure the industry has a voice across government policy.”

The Government believes that markets are an important part of the strong retail mix that town centres need to attract shoppers and provide consumer choice. The new body will report to Rosie Winterton and Minister for Food Jim Fitzpatrick.

The group will:

• Champion traditional retail markets and how they can contribute to the local economy, the character of the town centre and the wider community. Work with the markets industry to raise the profile of markets with local authorities and highlight benefits through best practise examples and case studies. For example Leicestershire and Bradford Councils make an annual profit of £500,000 from their markets.
• Work with councils to encourage them to use licensing powers positively to permit more markets in their town and city centres. North Lincolnshire District Council started a monthly market that revitalised the high street at weekends.
• Give markets a forum to discuss and influence future government policy affecting markets for the first time. This includes planning and licensing rules.
• Work with the industry to see how street markets can also be used to encourage healthy eating, flexible working for young parents or a tourist attraction. The groups will also look at how best to communicate the varied benefits of markets.

Jim Fitzpatrick said:

“Street markets offer some of the best value produce around. Markets are filled with healthy, tasty food, and are also a great place to discover some of the unique regional and speciality foods that you might not have seen before.
“I am delighted that the government, councils, and street markets are going to work together to preserve an important part of this country’s heritage which is also of great benefit for consumers.”
Graham Wilson, Chief Executive of The National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) and spokesperson for The Retail Markets Alliance, added:

“The Retail Markets Alliance is delighted with the Government’s response to the CLG Select Committee’s recommendations and we look forward to working with Rosie Winterton, Jim Fitzpatrick and the inter-departmental working group to raise the profile and quality of markets. The Government’s support will enable us to enhance the contribution that markets already make to a number of important policy areas.”

Street markets have gone through a period of prolonged decline with the future of smaller markets particularly precarious the Communities and Local Government Select Committee concluded recently.

Their report found that councils have a leading role in owning, regulating and nurturing markets. But that a national champion working with the industry was needed.

The Government agrees with the Committee that successful markets played a valuable social and economic role. This includes:

• Offering consumers good value fruit and vegetables;
• Promoting town centres by bringing a stronger retail mix and encouraging; consumers and added footfall for the whole centre;
• Offering new businesses a more affordable way of starting off in the current climate;
• Providing local jobs with flexible hours for people working part-time.

The Government is committed to promoting the vitality and viability of the high street through its town centre first policies.