ORGANISERS of Newport’s first ever German-style Christmas market could be given a discount by the council to encourage traders to take part.

Newport City Council is expected to sign off on plans to grant a street trading licence for almost half the price.

The move is expected to make the market more affordable for its organisers, Newport Now Business Improvement District and International Street Markets.

The licence would cover trading costs for up to 33 chalet-style stalls selling festive food, drink and gifts.

The market will take place along Commercial Street from November 19 to December 22.

READ MORE: Newport German Christmas market announced for Christmas 2018

Discounted street trading permits have been available for “special events” in Newport since January this year.

But an event of the market’s size, and duration, had “not been envisaged” by the council, according to a report.

Under its current charging policy, the council estimated the total street trading fees for the month-long market to be £8,977.28 – or £8.77 per trader per day.

The fee was deemed “modest” when compared to similar events held in other local authorities in Wales and England.

A table comparing trading licence fees for similar festive events held in other authorities. 

According to the report, organisers said the council’s proposals were “unaffordable” and would make the market “unviable”.

A request to reduce the total fee to £4,650.88 – a 48 per cent discount, equivalent to £4.22 per trader per day – has been lodged with the council.

The report says: “This brings the overall fees within the affordability range of the organisers and is not considered to be unreasonable, given the comparable fees charged for other less-established markets and the desire to promote the city centre and encourage footfall.

“It is hoped that this fee reduction will actually encourage more events being held within Newport city centre, and no significant financial loss will occur in the longer term.

“In any event, the wider social and economic benefits will outweigh the direct loss of licensing fee income.”

A provisional meeting for Councillor Ray Truman, cabinet member for licensing and regulation, to decide on the discount is scheduled for Friday, November 2.