The Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services has decided to provide financial support to Moor Market traders following its temporary closure due to pest activity.

URL: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5070

Decision Maker: Executive Director, Neighbourhood Services

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: A secondary financial support package for Moor Market traders has been recommended following the temporary closure of the market, in response to evidence of pest activity and the associated public health, food hygiene, health and safety and reputational risks.   The Council has already developed a targeted one-month rent and service charge relief package for Moor Market traders affected by the closure and recovery response. That package was designed as a one-off recovery support measure linked to the exceptional circumstances of the incident.   Further representations have been received from traders and stakeholders about the ongoing financial impact of the closure and recovery period, including lost trading opportunities, disruption to business continuity, additional cleaning and reopening costs, stock-related impacts, the need to restore customer confidence and footfall.   The recommended proposal provides a further one-month rent and service charge relief package together with a £500 discretionary payment to each trader. The proposal is designed to provide immediate and equitable financial support, is capable of rapid implementation, and can be funded within the current Environmental Services and Regulation budget forecast position.  

Content: A secondary financial support package for Moor Market traders has been recommended following the temporary closure of the market, in response to evidence of pest activity and the associated public health, food hygiene, health and safety and reputational risks.   The Council has already developed a targeted one-month rent and service charge relief package for Moor Market traders affected by the closure and recovery response. That package was designed as a one-off recovery support measure linked to the exceptional circumstances of the incident.   Further representations have been received from traders and stakeholders about the ongoing financial impact of the closure and recovery period, including lost trading opportunities, disruption to business continuity, additional cleaning and reopening costs, stock-related impacts, the need to restore customer confidence and footfall.   The recommended proposal provides a further one-month rent and service charge relief package together with a £500 discretionary payment to each trader. The proposal is designed to provide immediate and equitable financial support, is capable of rapid implementation, and can be funded within the current Environmental Services and Regulation budget forecast position.   1.    The temporary closure of Moor Market and the impact this has had on traders, customers and the wider market recovery was noted. 2.    The existing targeted one-month rent and service charge relief package for Moor Market traders was noted. 3.    The fact that the existing support package was designed as a one-off recovery support measure and not as compensation for loss of income, loss of profits, stock losses, staff costs or wider business interruption was noted. 4.    The proposal, comprising a further one month's rent and service charge relief together with a one-off discretionary recovery payment of £500 for each eligible Moor Market trader, was approved, subject to all necessary legal, financial and subsidy control requirements.   The Council has responsibility for ensuring that Moor Market is managed safely and that appropriate action is taken where conditions present a risk to public health, food safety, staff, traders or visitors.   The temporary closure was necessary and proportionate to protect public health, enable effective pest control and deep cleaning, support Environmental Health assurance, reduce the risk of further spread, and maintain public confidence.   The recovery communications approach is necessary to rebuild confidence, support traders, counter misinformation, and encourage customers to return to Moor Market.   The trader support package has been proposed to help traders recover from the exceptional disruption caused by the closure and recovery response, while making clear that the package is not compensation for wider business interruption.   The proposal provides the most balanced response to the exceptional circumstances affecting Moor Market traders. It delivers meaningful and immediate financial assistance, can be implemented quickly, avoids the complexity and delay associated with assessing individual losses, and remains affordable within the current budget forecast position. It therefore offers the most proportionate and deliverable means of supporting trader recovery while maintaining appropriate financial governance. 1)    No further financial support beyond the existing month relief   2)    Provide financial assistance beyond the current budget forecast position, which will require a referral to Strategy and Resources Committee

Date of Decision: July 22, 2026