Issue - meetings

In line with council policy, officers are required to review the Street Trading Policy (“the Policy”) every 3 years and make changes where necessary. The current Policy was first adopted in February 2024 along with a schedule of new fees and changes to the list of prohibited / consent streets.  It was subsequently reviewed with minor amendments in July 2024.

This report provides a review of the Policy with minor amendments suggested.

No changes are proposed to the ‘List of current prohibited / consent streets’.

Recommendation

That members of the committee agree to Option 1: to agree to the changes and adopt the amended Policy.

a)     to agree the amendments to the Policy namely:

Section 2.3.2 to include “Activities which take place on Council owned land* (including land owned by a district, parish or borough whereby written consent has been obtained in writing from the relevant Council) including but not limited to:

-        Council parks and green / open public spaces such as Commons along with their associated carparks

*This exemption excludes highway land which is maintainable at public expense.

b) Authorise officers to adopt the amended Policy.

The Lead Licensing Officer presented the report, highlighting the minor changes to the policy.

Members inquired about the rationale for the proposed changes in the policy, and how in practice it will work for different categories of applicants. Officers explained that events taking place on council-owned land will be exempt from any new street trading fees or charges.

The criteria would include anyone trading on the street. Furthermore, officers clarified that this would apply to any other land owned by any other borough or council within Three Rivers, as Three Rivers District Council and parish owned land are already covered in the policy.

Members requested for examples of the types of organisations, that would qualify for exemption from charges and fees, to be listed within the policy, and officers confirmed that a list could be included as an appendix to the policy.

Organisations mentioned as examples were:

• Registered charities
• Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
• Community Interest Companies (CICs)
• Companies Limited by Guarantee with non-profit objectives
• Parish, town and community councils
• Constituted and un-constituted community groups
• Residents' associations
• Scout, Guide and other youth organisations
• Community sports clubs
• Faith organisations and places of worship
• Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) and school friends’ groups

Members expressed concern regarding possible lengthy processes of clarifying to members of the public the exemption rules. In response, officers explained that the relevant information can be found on the Council’s website, and licensing officers can be contacted, they will be happy to advise anyone seeking support and guidance regarding the exemption criteria.

Councillor Raj Khiroya moved the recommendation, seconded by Councillor Narinder Sian, with the additional amendment to the wording to include ‘adopted’ in:

Section 2.3.2 Activities which take place on Council owned land* (including land owned by a district, parish or borough whereby written consent has been obtained in writing from the relevant Council) including but not limited to:

- Council parks and green / open public spaces such as Commons along with their associated carparks

*This exemption excludes adopted highway land which is maintainable at public expense.

b) Authorise officers to adopt the amended Policy.

On being put to the committee, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by general assent.

RESOLVED:

That members of the committee agree to Option 1: to agree to the changes and adopt the amended Policy.

a)     to agree the amendments to the Policy namely:

Section 2.3.2 to include “Activities which take place on Council owned land* (including land owned by a district, parish or borough whereby written consent has been obtained in writing from the relevant Council) including but not limited to:

- Council parks and green / open public spaces such as Commons along with their associated carparks

*This exemption excludes adopted highway land which is maintainable at public expense.

b) Authorise officers to adopt the amended Policy.