Agenda and minutes

(A period not exceeding 20 minutes for questions and statements from

members of the public and Elected Members to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones. Questions/Statements should relate specifically to an item of business on the agenda and be limited to a maximum of 100 words. As stated within Executive Procedure Rule 3.3 each person will be allowed to submit one question/statement per meeting.A question may only be asked if notice has been given by delivering it in writing or by e-mail to the Governance Team no later than 5.00 p.m. of the third working day before the day of the meeting. Each question or statement must give the name and address of the person submitting it. Questions/Statements should be sent to the Governance Team, Floor 2, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster, DN1 3BU, or by email to Democratic.Services@doncaster.gov.uk)

Mr Tim Brown asked the Mayor the following question:-

“The Enterprise Market Place project is seeking to access £3.189m SCRIF money. Can you state how much money is being paid to the Market consultants and whether you agree that the proposed Communication Plan referenced at 15.1, may be strengthened by aligning it to Accessible Information Standards and the co-production of a cogent Consultation Plan involving Market Traders and Citizens, including those covered by the term BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) and that this approach will result in meaningful and proportionate involvement at each stageof the aforementioned Enterprise Market Place project?”

Mayor Ros Jones gave the following response:-

“Doncaster’s award winning and historic market has always been the jewel in the crown of the town centre.

We are very proud of our market and ambitious for its future. We want to ensure that Doncaster Market is the best in the country, so we are investing in its future, with this money that we have secured from the Sheffield City Region.

To help ensure that our multi-million pound investment is successful and delivers real improvements, Quarterbridge have been brought in to review the markets, produce a strategic analysis and set out new opportunities. This activity was included as a requirement of the SCRIF bid. The in depth knowledge and experience of Quarterbridge is important for helping to make the markets a success. It has been agreed that a short term engagement of six months be put in place and work has begun to design artistic impressions and 3D visuals for the new market, to help deliver this multi-million pound project. Their fee is £65,000.

A robust communications plan is being worked up that targets the relevant stakeholders. This includes engagement with the traders which began this week and will continue throughout the project.

We are also keeping residents across the borough informed of our plans to transform the markets area. The Enterprise Market Place scheme is part of the Town Centre Masterplan which is set to transform our urban centre. It has been promoted and covered in detail by the media in recent months.

The SCRIF funding is time limited and as such, it is not possible to engage with people at every stage, however once we have agreed the final scheme, we will engage with residents on the plans.

The market offers an excellent opportunity for people from across Doncaster, both for local residents, traders and for people who wish to develop a new business. With this investment, it has a great future.

Once again, thank you for your question.”

Mr Brown asked the following supplementary question:-

“Thank you for your response.  You failed to differentiate between a Communication Plan and a Consultation Plan.  There is a distinction between a Communication Plan and a Consultation Plan.  The Communication Plan enables people like me to be engaged.  It gives out information, consultation and devolvement.  I am seeking clarification, given that over the last few years we have been promised a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.