The Scrutiny Panel was scheduled to consider a call-in request concerning a key decision made by the Cabinet regarding the implementation of standard fees and charges for markets, street trading, and shop fronts for the 2025/2026 financial year. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items.

Call-in of Key Decision HCE S433: Implementation of Standard Fees & Charges for Markets Street Trading & Shop Fronts 2025/2026

The primary focus of the meeting was to examine the call-in of Cabinet decision HCE S433, which pertains to the implementation of revised fees and charges for markets, street trading, and shop fronts. This decision, published on 25th November 2025, was called in by Councillor Zoë Garbett and supported by four other councillors. The basis for the call-in cited concerns that the decision-maker may not have acted in accordance with the principles of decision-making, the Council's policy framework, the Council's budget, or considered relevant evidence. Additionally, it was argued that the decision would not be in the interests of the borough's residents and that a preferable alternative decision could be adopted.

The report pack provided to the Scrutiny Panel included the Monitoring Officer's report on the call-in, the original Cabinet report on markets, and the call-in request forms. The Panel was tasked with considering these documents and determining whether to uphold the original decision, uphold the call-in and refer the decision back to Cabinet for reconsideration, or uphold the call-in and refer the decision to Full Council if it was deemed contrary to the Council's Budget and Policy Framework.

The report detailed the background to the decision, including the Cabinet's resolutions on 24th November 2025, which approved the implementation of a revised fees and charges schedule, phased repayment of arrears, and the application of annual CPI-based and NLWA disposal charges. The call-in request itself was also included, outlining the specific grounds for concern.

Financial implications were presented, indicating that upholding the original Cabinet decision would result in an estimated additional income of £268,000 for the year. Conversely, upholding the call-in would mean that fees and charges would continue at the 2024/25 levels until the decision was reviewed.

The report also touched upon legal implications, noting that the setting of fees and charges for street trading is governed by Section 32 of the London Local Authorities Act 1990. It also detailed the consultation and engagement process undertaken by the Council regarding these proposed changes, including feedback received from traders and other stakeholders.

The agenda also included standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, urgent items, and declarations of interest.