Leeds council pauses Otley Market rent rise after trader concerns

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 13:08 · Archive

Leeds City Council has paused a planned increase in Otley Market stall rents following trader concerns.

Leeds City Council has paused a planned increase in Otley Market stall rents after traders raised concerns following the announcement. The council had proposed raising Friday and Saturday stall rents from £23.50 to £33.50 per day from November 1, while Tuesday charges would remain unchanged.

The council carried out a consultation with traders over the summer on options to make the market financially sustainable. Of 12 surveys returned from 23 traders, six of the eight who expressed a preference favoured increasing stall rents. However, after further feedback and concerns from traders since the announcement, the council has paused the increase.

Traders will now be asked to collectively choose between two options. Under the first, traders would provide, set up and dismantle their own stalls at a reduced daily charge of £20 per stall. Under the second, the council would continue to handle set-up and take-down, with the daily charge rising to £33.50.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said the market has been running at a loss for several years, with losses previously absorbed by the council. The spokesperson stated that the financial pressures the council faces mean this approach is no longer sustainable.

How it is being reported

• Council PAUSE market rent rise after traders raise concernsThe council carried out a consultation with traders over the summer, seeking views on options to help make the market financially sustainable.Telegraph & Argus · 13 Oct, 11:53
• Council pauses market rent rise after traders raise concernsCONCERNS have been raised about the future of Otley Market after Leeds City Council proposed changes to stall rental arrangements aimed at addressing ongoing financial losses.Wharfedale Observer · 13 Oct, 11:43

In this story: Leeds City Council · Otley Market · Otley

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