Overview

We are proposing to update market trading and forecourt licence fees and charges, which were last updated in April 2019. Since then, the costs associated with running our markets (including waste management, infrastructure costs and storage costs) have continued to increase, while revenues have fallen.

Under the London Local Authorities Act, we are required to ensure that our market trading operations do not operate at a profit or a loss. To ensure we can comply with this legislation and continue to operate our markets and forecourt licensing arrangements across the borough, we are proposing changes to the prices for market pitches and forecourt licences.

We are proposing to update charges in April 2024 (subject to this consultation) to ensure they are fair and transparent and to ensure our markets are self-funding by 2024/2025. You can view the proposed prices for 2024/25 in Appendix 1 (link below).

This consultation seeks the views of existing traders and licence holders on the proposed changes to fees and charges for 2024/25.

Why your views matter

How to have your say

1. In Person - If you would like to discuss the proposals with Council officers before providing your feedback, then we will be holding a series of drop- in events in Lewisham and Deptford. Dates for the two drop-in events to be confirmed.

In addition to the drop-in sessions, you can speak to market officers within market   operating hours to discuss any remaining queries that you may have directly with markets officers.

2. In Writing - Send your written representation to the following address: Lewisham Markets Team, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, SE6 9SE
3. Citizen Space - Complete the online form available here to submit your feedback conveniently.
4. Share your thoughts via email at Markets@lewisham.gov.uk with the subject ‘Markets and Forecourt Licence Fees and Charges consultation’

What happens next

Subject to consideration of any representations received, a formal decision to implement any revised fees and charges will be made by the Council’s cabinet following the consultation. It is anticipated that, subject to approval, the revised conditions would take effect from 1 April 2024, with all traders being notified in advance of their implementation.