The proposal would put foreign or out-of-town traders to the back of the queue
The DUP has said it wants “priority for local traders” in the Christmas market and other markets run by Belfast Council.
The party has forwarded a motion at a Belfast Council committee which could put foreign or out-of-town traders to the back of the queue, to give priority to those who are residents or ratepayers within the Belfast City Council area.
A motion by Councillor Jordan Doran went through the council’s City Growth and Regeneration committee in its December meeting, and council officials will return a report on the proposal, but already Sinn Féin have questioned the legality of the suggestion.
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The motion states: “This council notes the significant contribution that local independent traders, small businesses, and market stallholders make to Belfast’s economy, tourism offering and community life.
“The council further notes that major council organised events such as the Belfast Maritime Festival, Christmas Market, and other seasonal events attract large crowds and generate substantial commercial opportunities. Accordingly, it resolves that for all Belfast City Council organised or council-supported events involving trader or vendor pitches, priority shall be given to traders who are residents or ratepayers within the Belfast City Council area.”
The motion urges council officials to develop and publish “a transparent process for allocating pitches which gives first refusal to eligible local traders before any external operators are invited.” The motion states this action “ensures fair opportunity across different sectors and communities, and supports the council’s commitment to local economic growth and inclusive prosperity.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Ronan McLaughlin said: “I have no issue with a report, I would just ask that we also have a legal look at that. (It is important) we are not overlooking our social value procurement which incentivises businesses in Belfast as much as we can.
“Obviously there is procurement legislation and European legislation which says we can’t show preferable treatment based on a geographical location.”
A council officer said: “We will look at the legal position. It should have been improved by the new Procurement Act. The legislation that we harp on restricts us in some ways. There was identical legislation in England and Wales that was disapplied by the Procurement Act, but ours hasn’t been.”
DUP Councillor Sarah Bunting said: “Belfast independent traders and small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and we need to be doing as much as we can for them.
“The purpose of this motion is to ensure that whenever we do have those large events like the Fleadh coming next year, the Maritime Festival, the Christmas Market, that we do try and give (local traders) every opportunity, before we go to traders outside the Belfast area. I am really pleased to see this going forward.”
The committee agreed a subsequent report would be returned outlining “a detailed consideration of the motion, potential cost implications and potential legal implications.”
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