Agenda item

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The Leader of the Council reported that nine written representations had been submitted in advance of the meeting. The representations were all in relation to agenda item 7, York Christmas Market Operating Hours and Economic Impact. These had been taken into account and published on the Council’s website.

It was reported that there had been five registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

Flick Williams spoke remotely in relation to agenda item 7, York Christmas Market Operating Hours and Economic Impact. Flick welcomed the proposal to close the Christmas Market for one day a week. That it was essential to give blue badge holders access to banks and building societies during the six-week period to avoid them having to drive significant distances to other towns and cities to obtain in-person financial services. It would also mitigate pernicious social isolation, the effects of which were exacerbated during the festive season. It was felt that the clamour of business interests ready to oppose this initiative was unedifying. It showed a disregard for disabled and older people and was indicative of the many barriers faced in being regarded as customers of equal value.

Rob Collins spoke in relation to agenda item 7, York Christmas Market Operating Hours and Economic Impact. Rob was a local business owner and had a cafe on Parliament Street. He reported that he was very supportive of the Christmas Market and so were his customers that he spoke to. That the proposal to lose a day would be disastrous. Whilst he acknowledged the council's good intentions and the need to be inclusive there was some concern that no-one was asking the important questions for fear of being falsely branded as non-inclusive. That in 2025 the Christmas Market opened later at 10.30am to allow blue badge holders extra time to travel around the city. And the effect of that was massive. That proposed measures with far-reaching consequences must be supported with compelling data.

Louise Harris-Collins spoke in relation to agenda item 7, York Christmas Market Operating Hours and Economic Impact. Louise was part of the food and drink traders at the Christmas Market. It was reported that Make it York had worked hard to ensure that the majority of traders were York-based, local independent traders that employed local people and reinvested back into the city. That the impact of closing for a day went beyond the financial impact on traders. It would have a profound effect on staffing. Although it was a five-week Christmas Market, it was an all-year-round business for many traders. That the far-reaching impact of losing one of those seven days per week was not simply an inconvenience. It was truly terrifying. York was voted the best Christmas Market in the UK and remained a huge asset to the city. The Council needed to get behind and support it. That the suggested change would dramatically affect the reputation of the market and the city.

Simon Long spoke in relation to agenda item 7, York Christmas Market Operating Hours and Economic Impact. Simon was the owner of Shambles Kitchen, a proud York resident and one of the longest serving traders on the Christmas market. He was representing not just himself, but 30 permanent staff who relied on him for their income. He stated that he could not afford to lose a day’s trade knowing the impact on payroll for event staff long after the market had closed. That the Christmas Market had changed a lot over the years. Closing time used to be 9.00pm at the weekend. It had been reduced to 7.00pm in 2024 and very few people were aware of this. Visitors had driven miles to spend the night at the Christmas Market in York, only to find out it was closed. There was concern how people across the country were to be pre-warned not to come to York on specific days if they wanted to visit the Christmas Market.

Nick Miller spoke in relation to agenda item 7, York Christmas Market Operating Hours and Economic Impact. Nick was a food store operator and was on-site every day at the Christmas Market. He reported that last year his business received a record number of applicants wanting to work for them. He was proud to support new team members, giving them the opportunity to work and contribute at the Christmas Market. To close one day a week would stop the whole production and have a massive impact on the business and the amount of people that they could afford to employ on the shop floor and behind the scenes.