Using your Market Admin and Payment System (MAPS) account
Getting started
Q. Why do I need a MAPS account?
MAPS replaces previous application processes and is used to apply for a market rights licence. It allows you to:
- manage your personal and business details
- upload and store supporting documents
- submit and track applications
- make secure payments
- view your licences
Q. How do I log in?
Access MAPS via the Apply to hold a market or fair page on the Manchester City Council website.
To get started:
- Create an account using your email address and a password
(minimum eight characters, including a number, an uppercase letter, and a lowercase letter). - Complete your personal details before submitting an application.
- Add your business information if applicable.
Applications
Q. How do I submit a new application?
From your dashboard:
- Select “Make application” from the menu bar, then choose
“Market Rights – Apply to hold your own market”, or - Select “Make an application” in the Licences and services section
You must:
- complete all required fields (marked with an asterisk *)
- upload your market plan(s)
Q. How do I check the status of my application?
You can track your application:
- in Current activities and requests on your dashboard, or
- via “View all applications” for a full overview
Select an application to view its details and current status.
Q. How do I update my contact details?
You can update your details at any time:
- Personal details → Personal details page
- Business details → Business details page
Select “Enter or edit details” to make changes.
Q. How do I report additional trading spaces at my market?
Within 7 days of each market day:
- Log into your MAPS account
- Select your licence under Licences and services
- Scroll down and select “Add additional spaces”
- Enter the number of trading spaces used
- Select “Submit”
The additional fee will be calculated automatically. To complete payment:
- Select “Pay additional spaces fee”
- Follow the on-screen instructions
A receipt will be emailed to you.
If your licence covers multiple market days, you must report figures after each event.
Documents and requirements
Q. What documents do I need to upload?
When applying for a market rights licence, you must upload:
- a layout plan showing the market area and trading spaces
The plan:
- must be clearly labelled
- does not need to be to scale
- can be hand-drawn
You may also need to provide:
- public liability insurance
- proof of permission to use the premises
- permission to sell alcohol (for example, a Premises Licence or Temporary Event Notice)
Documents can be uploaded via your Personal or Business account sections.
Q. Are there any format or size limits?
Yes. Documents must:
- be in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format
- not exceed 11MB per file
Q. How do I know if my documents have been uploaded successfully?
To upload documents:
- Select “Choose file”
- Select your document
- Select “Upload”
The document will appear within the form.
You can:
- remove uploaded files
- upload multiple documents
All uploaded files can also be viewed in the Evidence and documents section of your dashboard.
Fees and payments
Q. When do I need to pay?
Payment is only required once your application has been approved and you have:
- accepted the Market Rights Declaration
- agreed to the Market Rights Licence Terms and Conditions
To pay:
- Select “Pay outstanding fee”
- Enter your payment details
- Follow the on-screen instructions
A receipt will be sent to your email address.
Q. What payment methods are accepted?
Payments can be made securely by debit or credit card through MAPS.
Q. What happens if I do not make payment?
If you do not:
- make payment
- accept the terms and conditions
- provide any requested information
you will not be issued a market rights licence.
Operating a market without Council consent is unlawful and may result in enforcement action.
Timescales
Q. When should I apply?
Submit your application at least 21 days before your planned market date.
Applying early:
- helps avoid delays
- allows time to resolve any issues
A licence is required before you can safely advertise your market.
Q. How long does it take to review my application?
We will respond within 14 days to:
- confirm if your application can be considered
- request additional information (if needed)
- advise if further checks may delay a decision
- provide the outcome of your application
Q. What happens if I apply late?
We will process late applications where possible, but:
- we may not be able to consider them in time
- an additional administration fee may apply
You must not operate your market until your licence has been issued and all conditions have been met.
Q. What happens if my application is incomplete?
You cannot submit your application unless:
- all required fields are completed
- your market plan has been uploaded
If further information is needed, we will contact you within 14 days.
Delays in providing required information may:
- delay your application
- result in refusal
Without approval, you will not have permission to hold your market.
Help and support
Q. Who can I contact for help with MAPS?
For support, email: marketrights@manchester.gov.uk
Q. What if there is an error in my application?
Email the team at marketrights@manchester.gov.uk, quoting your application reference number.
Q. How do I report a technical issue?
Email marketrights@manchester.gov.uk with:
- details of the issue
- what you were doing at the time
- any error messages
- screenshots (if possible)
Q. How do I make a complaint?
Before making a complaint, report the issue so we can try to resolve it.
You can:
- email marketrights@manchester.gov.uk, or
- use the Report a problem before making a complaint form on the Manchester City Council
Q. Where can I find more information?
For further guidance:
- View the Market Rights Policy on the Manchester City Council website
- Visit the Apply to hold a market or fair page to access MAPS and additional information