The Markets Board was scheduled to receive updates from the General Managers of Smithfield, Billingsgate, and New Spitalfields Markets. The board was also set to consider a report on debt arrears relating to the markets.

Updates from General Managers

The report pack included updates from the General Managers of Smithfield, Billingsgate, and New Spitalfields Markets.

At Smithfield Market, staffing levels were reported as full, with a focus on staff wellbeing and upskilling ahead of potential de-marketisation. Cleaning of fridge decks and shop canopies was scheduled to commence, with quotes being sought for bird netting. Energy matters were reported as having no significant market-specific issues. Health and Safety performance was noted as above average, with an upcoming external fire safety assessment. The collaboration with Destination City and the Smithfield Market Tenants Association (SMTA) for the Christmas Auction received national recognition, and plans for the 2026 event were underway. The transfer of local maintenance services to CBRE had reportedly gone well, with improvements in compliance and response times.

For Billingsgate Market, there were two vacancies in the Constabulary and Maintenance departments, with recruitment planned. Cleaning standards were reported as satisfactory, with monitoring in place. A water leak in the trade car park had been identified and was being repaired, with efforts to secure a rebate on sewerage charges. Water usage had reduced significantly, and proactive management of consumption was ongoing. Health and Safety management was described as effective, with a Safe365 score remaining above the organisational target. Engagement with the Tenant Association on day-to-day operational matters was continuing.

At New Spitalfields Market, recruitment for a Market Constable had been completed, and a Market Sergeant position was being advertised. A Technical Officer for premises compliance inspections was also to be recruited. Cleaning standards remained high, though challenges with food waste disposal costs were noted in relation to the forthcoming Simpler Recycling legislation. City Harvest would cease operations on 6 March, with The Felix Project taking over the redistribution of surplus food from 9 March. A new, fit-for-purpose facility for food redistribution was being developed. The upgrade of the office cooling system at Allen House was complete. A project to install solar PV panels on the Market Pavilion and catering block roofs had progressed, with installation scheduled to begin in mid-March. A proposal for the replacement of emergency lighting within the Market Pavilion was also under consideration. Health and Safety controls were maintained robustly, with an external audit planned for March. Tenant Association priorities remained focused on the 2025 lease negotiations.

Debt Arrears - Markets

A joint report from the Chamberlain and the City Surveyor was scheduled to be considered regarding debt arrears across the markets. This report was designated For Decision.

Public Minutes

The board was also scheduled to agree the public minutes and non-public summaries of the meeting held on 21 January 2026. This item was also designated For Decision.

Exclusion of the Public

A motion was scheduled to be considered for the exclusion of the public from the meeting for subsequent items, citing the likely disclosure of exempt information under the Local Government Act 1972. This was also designated For Decision.

Non-Public and Confidential Items

Following the potential exclusion of the public, the board was scheduled to agree non-public minutes and confidential minutes from the meeting held on 21 January 2026. Additionally, a report on Markets Co-location Programme Update was listed for information. A joint report from the Chamberlain and the City Surveyor concerning Debt Arrears - Markets was also scheduled for discussion during the non-public session.