Agenda item

To consider a report by the Executive Director of Place.

The Panel welcomed John George – of Ensors - to the meeting and were informed about their plans for the Fairfield market and how improvements might be made to how it was run and managed. He provided an insight into how both Dorchester and Wimborne markets were run - including their similarities and differences.

Ensors were willing to make further investments in the market so that it built on its success but to be able to do that required some commitment from the Panel that Ensors would still remain the operators going forward.

What Mr George envisaged for how the market could operate was drawn to the attention of the Panel, with the provision of local artisan craft and produce sellers being encouraged to set up within the market itself, and in the Linneys in particular. He could see these being self-contained units, secured and fit for purpose, with a Victorian feel and look.

He considered that the indoor aspect of the market was now dated and wanted to see this opened up more – still covered, but with the sides removed. He felt this would make it more accessible and attractive.

He considered the market still had a lot to offer and hoped his vision could be taken into serious consideration by the Panel. The Panel recognised that Mr George was providing his vision for the future arrangements for the market and thanked him for this insight.

The Panel were then provided with the Management Accounts from the Market Operator with the Projected Outturn for 2021/22 - the total projected expenditure is forecast to be marginally over budget with a potential cost of £44,218 against a budget of £43,968. There was projected to be a significant deficit on the gross income budget. Current projections indicate potential income of £124,655, against a budget of £165,165. However, the latest supplementary management accounts from Ensors cautiously indicated an improved position compared to the 2020/21 outturn, which saw income severely suppressed due to Covid-19 induced restrictions.

Overall, the sum available for distribution to the Panel was forecast to be £80,437, against a net budget of £121,197, the relevant shares being split as follows: Dorset Council - £45,388 (against a budget of £66,493), Dorchester Town Council - £24,440 (against a budget of £35,804) and transfer to the Car Boot Reserve of £10,609 (against a budget of £18,900).

The Budget 2022/23 comprised a proposed expenditure budget is £44,313 with the proposed income budget is £166,379. Accordingly, the budgeted surplus for distribution was £122,066 - with Dorset Council due £67,058 and Dorchester Town Council £36,108. The budgeted top up to the Car Boot reserve would be £18,900.

Members were aware that income was significantly suppressed during the 2020/21 Financial Year as a direct result of the Covid-19 Pandemic, including associated lockdowns and restrictions. There were early indications that income levels had improved for the 2021/22 outturn, and it is hoped trading activity may return to nearer normal levels during 2022/23.

Members acknowledged the circumstances under which trading had been operating during the last years and given this accepted the figures that had been presented to them as being as reasonable as could be expected.

Resolved

That the current projected outturn position for 2021/22 be noted, and the 2022/23 budget proposals be approved.