Issue - meetings

To consider a recommendation from the Audit & Governance Committee.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Housing presented the report and proposed the recommendations as set out in the report and this was seconded by Councillor L Fry.

Decision

That the revised Terms of Reference for the Dorchester Markets Joint Panel (as set out in Appendix 1 of the report to Audit and Governance Committee on 24 November 2025) be approved.

Reason for decision

To ensure effective arrangements for the provision of Dorchester Markets and satisfactory governance arrangements between the parties.

To receive a report by Graham Duggan, Head of Community and Public Protection.

The Head of Community and Public Protection, Graham Duggan introduced the report. He clarified that this item was for approval and recommendation to Full Council. Dorchester Markets operated under a rule of charter since 1630. The governance arrangements compromise of a market panel made up of from representatives from Dorchester Town Council and Dorset Council. The market has been operated for the past 25 years, under a contract with a third party. That arrangement comes to an end next April and the parties have agreed that from next April, Dorchester Town Council will manage the markets in Dorchester directly. For that to happen, there needs to be some minor amendments to the terms of reference for the market panel.  The approved terms of reference would accompany a report to General Licensing Committee on 28 January 2026. The report would seek approval to enter into an agreement with Dorchester Town Council for them to operate Fairfield and Cornhill Markets from 2 April 2026. The Market Panel would oversee this new arrangement.

Propose by Cllr Flower, seconded by Cllr Haynes.

Carried.

Decision: that the Audit and Governance Committee approve the revised Terms of Reference for Dorchester Markets Informal Joint Panel and recommended approval by Full Council.