The UK government is taking on the role of protecting retail markets in the face of increasing pressures threatening their long-term survival.
To ensure retail markets survive, the government is now taking action to support street, covered and farmers’ markets in recognition of their significant economic and social benefits. It 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.
The group will meet two to three times a year and will report to Rosie Winterton, minister for local government and communities and to Jim Fitzpatrick, the minister for food for DEFRA.
In announcing the news, 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.
“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. That’s why we have promised to champion the traditional market, raise its profile and ensure the industry has a voice across government policy.”
It is envisaged that the new working group will champion retail markets, work with the markets industry to raise their profile with local authorities and encourage them to use licensing powers in their favour and give markets a forum to discuss and influence future government policy.
The group will also work with the industry to see how street markets can be used to encourage healthy eating, flexible working for young parents, or as tourist attractions. The groups will also look at how best to communicate the varied benefits of markets.
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, said: “The Retail Markets Alliance is delighted with the government’s response... 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.”
The recent Communities and Local Government Select Committee report found that local councils have a leading role in owning, regulating and nurturing markets, but that a national champion working with the industry was needed.
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