Westminster market traders face pitch fee rises of up to 90 per cent

Market traders in Westminster could see some of their pitch fees almost double under proposals being considered by the council.The plans would increase daily charges across many of the borough's markets, with some traders facing rises of up to 90 per cent.Westminster City Council says changes are needed because its street trading service is operating at a significant loss.Council officers told the Licensing Committee that the authority is currently running a deficit of around £2.4 million across its street trading budget.Even if the proposed increases are approved, officials said the service would still face a shortfall of approximately £1.6 million.Under the plans, Saturday pitch fees for some traders would rise from £22 to £42 a day.The biggest increases would be felt by hot food and takeaway vendors operating in Berwick Street and Strutton Ground, where daily charges could rise to between £39 and £44 depending on the day of the week.By contrast, traders at Maida Hill Market would see smaller increases, with hot food vendors paying between £31 and £36 a day.The proposals would also introduce different fee levels depending on location, trading day and the type of goods being sold.Non-food traders would generally pay the lowest rates, followed by fresh food traders and then hot food operators.Several traders voiced concerns during discussions at the Licensing Committee, warning that businesses were already under pressure from rising costs.Read MoreOne market trader described the proposed increases as excessive.“There is a state of emergency virtually in this country with the economy,” she said.“All of our produce has gone up.“Yes, there needs to be an increase. You have to make a living, money for the council and we have to make money, but frankly it is too much.”Another trader from Berwick Street said it was “too b****y soon” to impose rises of such magnitude on businesses trying to stay afloat.The proposals also include sharp increases to some licensing charges.A permanent licence for new non-food traders currently costs £96, with discounts available for new businesses and Westminster residents.Under the plans, that fee would increase tenfold to £964.Not all charges would rise. The cost of varying existing licences would fall, while fees for isolated pitches and some temporary trading licences would also be reduced.A five per cent discount for traders who pay by direct debit would remain in place, along with seasonal reductions for ice cream sellers.Westminster Council is currently reviewing responses to a public consultation that closed at the end of September.If approved, the new charges would come into force from January 2027, potentially leaving hundreds of traders facing significantly higher operating costs at a time when many say they are already struggling.