Agenda and minutes

Resolved - That the Minutes of the last Court are correctly recorded.

The Chief Commoner welcomed two new Aldermen to their first meeting of the Court of Common Council, namely Alderman Vincent Keaveny, and Alderman Peter Estlin.

The two Aldermen were each heard in reply.

Resolved unanimously - That, upon the retirement from the Court of:

Benjamin Robert Hadley Hall,

this Court desires to place on record its warmest thanks for the service that he has given to the City of London over the past eighteen years.

Bob was elected as a Common Councilman for the Ward of Farringdon Within in 1995 and in 2002 he was elected as Alderman for the Ward. Over the years he has served on a wide range of Committees but his passion has surely been for the City Corporation’s open spaces, both within and beyond the Square Mile, most recently chairing the West Ham Park and the Open Spaces & City Gardens Committees.

On taking their leave, his colleagues would like to express their very best wishes for a long, happy and healthy retirement from civic life in the City.

Letters of Ray Catt and Ibthayhaj Gani resigning their offices as Common Councilmen for the Wards of Castle Baynard and Portsoken, respectively.

Received.

Resolved unanimously - That this Honourable Court wishes to extend to:

Raymond Michael Catt

its sincere gratitude for his much valued service as a Member for the Ward of Castle Baynard.

Elected as a Common Councilman in 2004, Ray served with distinction on a number of Corporation Committees, becoming Chairman of the Investment Committee and Deputy Chairman of both the Finance Committee and the Financial Investment Board.

The Members of this Honourable Court wish to take this opportunity to express their heartfelt appreciation for his efforts and achievements and their very best wishes for his future success, good health and happiness.

Resolved unanimously – That the Vote of Thanks read informally at the last meeting of this Honourable Court be agreed, included in the Minutes of this meeting; and that it be fairly transcribed, signed by the Town Clerk and presented in a manner agreeable to the late Lord Mayor.

Resolved unanimously - That the Members of this Court take great pleasure in expressing to:

Alderman Roger Gifford

their most sincere thanks for the distinguished way in which he has carried out the varied demands of the Office of Lord Mayor of the City of London over the past year.

Whether at home or abroad, he has been an exemplary ambassador for both the City of London and the United Kingdom. He has made great efforts to strengthen the City’s engagement with the European Union and to raise its profile in the continuing debate over the future of the UK in the Union. In particular, he engaged with all the other twenty seven member states of the EU, through visits or hosting events at Mansion House, and initiated a day of events including debates and a major dinner in late May attended by the Governor of the European Central Bank. Closer to home, he has highlighted the City’s contribution to the arts, culture and creative industries and has demonstrated how the City’s investment in the arts has generated business returns together with significant social benefits to London as a whole.

The theme of ‘the City in Society’ has placed philanthropy and legacy at the core of Roger’s year in office. His love of music, shared by the Lady Mayoress, has led to him to establish a new charity, the City Music Foundation, which has been the primary beneficiary of his Appeal. This foundation aims to give musical apprenticeships to young talented people from around the country who are seeking their first professional opportunities in life. He has also led the donation by the City of London Corporation of a chamber organ to Her Majesty The Queen to be placed in Westminster Abbey to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Her Coronation.

The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor reported on her recent overseas visit to Greece.

There was no policy report.

Sundry documents were sealed with the Hospital Seal.

(A list of names, together with those of the nominators, has been separately circulated).

The Chamberlain, in pursuance of the Order of this Court, presented a list of the under-mentioned persons who had made applications to be admitted to the Freedom of this City by redemption: -

To:-

·       Provide for the nomination and election of Auditors of Chamberlain’s and Bridgemasters’ Accounts, Bridgemasters and Ale Conners of this City; and

·       repeal any previous conflicting provisions regulating or enforcing the same.

(First and Second Reading).

(A printed report of the Policy and Resources Committee thereon has been circulated).

A Bill for an Act of Common Council to:-

·       provide for the nomination and election of Auditors of Chamberlain’s and Bridgemasters’ Accounts, Bridgemasters and Ale Conners of this City; and

·       repeal any previous conflicting provisions regulating or enforcing the same.

(First and Second Reading).

(A printed report of the Policy and Resources Committee thereon has been circulated).

Resolved – That the report be agreed to and that the Bill be read a first and second time.

(The text of the measures and the explanatory notes may be obtained from the Remembrancer’s Office).

The Remembrancer reported on measures introduced into Parliament which may have an effect on the services provided by the City Corporation. 

(The text of the measures and the explanatory notes may be obtained from the Remembrancer’s Office).

Received.

* denotes a Member standing for re-appointment.

a) One Member on the Open Spaces & City Gardens and West Ham Park Committees for the balance of a term to expire in April 2014.

Nominations received:-

John Alfred Barker, O.B.E., Deputy

Graeme Martyn Smith

b) Two Members on the Board of Governors of the Museum of London for four year terms to expire in December 2017.

Nominations received:-

*John George Stewart Scott, J.P., B.A.(Hons)

Graeme Martyn Smith

*Michael Welbank, Deputy

The Court proceeded to make the following appointments in respect of which the Town Clerk reported that the following nominations had been received:-

a) One Member on the Open Spaces & City Gardens and West Ham Park Committees for the balance of a term to expire in April 2014.

Nominations received:-

John Alfred Barker, O.B.E., Deputy

Graeme Martyn Smith

Read.

b) Two Members on the Board of Governors of the Museum of London for four year terms to expire in December 2017.

Nominations received:-

*John George Stewart Scott, J.P., B.A.(Hons)

Graeme Martyn Smith

*Michael Welbank, Deputy

Read.

The Court proceeded, in accordance with Standing Order No.10, to ballot on the foregoing vacancies.

The Lord Mayor requested the Chief Commoner and the Chairman of Finance Committee, or their representatives, to be scrutineers of the ballots.

Resolved – That the votes be counted at the conclusion of the Court and the results printed in the Summons for the next meeting.

There were none.

“That the Resolution of Thanks to Jeffrey Evans, Alderman and Nigel Pullman, the late Sheriffs of the City, passed by Common Hall on 30^th September last, be presented in a form agreeable to them?”

“That Gregory Lawrence be appointed on the Finance Committee for the Ward of Farringdon Without in the room of Edward Lord?”

“That Christopher Boden be appointed on the Finance Committee for the Ward of Castle Baynard in the room of Ray Catt, no longer on Common Council?”

There was no report.

(Mark John Boleat)

17 October 2013

Applications for the Use of Guildhall

In accordance with the arrangements approved by the Court on 21 June 2001 for the approval of applications for the use of Guildhall, we now inform the Court of the following applications which have been agreed to:-

Policy, Finance, Establishment, Investment and Audit Committees - Reports

HOSPITALITY WORKING PARTY OF THE POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

(George Marr Flemington Gillon, Chief Commoner)

17 October 2013

Applications for the Use of Guildhall

In accordance with the arrangements approved by the Court on 21 June 2001 for the approval of applications for the use of Guildhall, we now inform the Court of the following applications which have been agreed to:-

Received.

(Roger Arthur Holden Chadwick)

19 November 2013

Annual Report and Financial Statements for City’s Cash 2012/13 and Auditors’ Management Letter

The Court authorised this Committee to approve, amongst other things, the Annual Report and Financial Statements for City’s Cash. We have duly considered and approved the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 31 March 2013.  Copies of the document have been placed in the Members’ Reading Room and are available from the Chamberlain.  In addition, the Annual Report and Financial Statements and Deloitte’s management letter have been published on the City’s website. The management letter from Deloitte on its audit of the funds is attached to a separately printed and circulated report for the information of the Court and we recommend that the report be noted.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

(Roger Arthur Holden Chadwick)

19 November 2013

Annual Report and Financial Statements for City’s Cash 2012/13 and Auditors’ Management Letter

The Court authorised this Committee to approve, amongst other things, the Annual Report and Financial Statements for City’s Cash. We have duly considered and approved the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 31 March 2013.  Copies of the document have been placed in the Members’ Reading Room and are available from the Chamberlain.  In addition, the Annual Report and Financial Statements and Deloitte’s management letter have been published on the City’s website. The management letter from Deloitte on its audit of the funds is attached to a separately printed and circulated report for the information of the Court and we recommend that the report be noted.

Received.

(Michael Welbank, Deputy)

5 November 2013

Rates Committees – Reports

PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

(Michael Welbank, Deputy)

During January and March 2013, the draft Local Plan was issued for public consultation and comments were received from 80 individuals and organisations.  The consultation process also involved public and other meetings. The full details of the comments can be found at www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/localplan. 

The results of the public consultation and the revision of the Local Plan were considered at meetings of your Local Development Framework Sub Committee and by your Planning and Transportation Committee. We recommend approval of a separately printed and circulated report which proposes that the Local Plan be now agreed and published for public consultation for a minimum period of 8 weeks. This would represent a formal stage in the Plan preparation process in accordance with government regulations and is an opportunity for those with any outstanding concerns to register formal objections. It is also proposed that any changes that arise from the consultation be delegated to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee, after which the list of changes would be submitted to the Secretary of State alongside the plan for examination by an Inspector. A complete copy of the Local Plan and the supporting documents can be found in the Members’ Reading Room and on the City’s website, as mentioned above.

5 November 2013

During January and March 2013, the draft Local Plan was issued for public consultation and comments were received from 80 individuals and organisations.  The consultation process also involved public and other meetings. The full details of the comments can be found at www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/localplan. 

The results of the public consultation and the revision of the Local Plan were considered at meetings of your Local Development Framework Sub Committee and by your Planning and Transportation Committee. We recommend approval of a separately printed and circulated report which proposes that the Local Plan be now agreed and published for public consultation for a minimum period of 8 weeks. This would represent a formal stage in the Plan preparation process in accordance with government regulations and is an opportunity for those with any outstanding concerns to register formal objections. It is also proposed that any changes that arise from the consultation be delegated to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee, after which the list of changes would be submitted to the Secretary of State alongside the plan for examination by an Inspector. A complete copy of the Local Plan and the supporting documents can be found in the Members’ Reading Room and on the City’s website, as mentioned above.

We recommend – That:

1)    that the Local Plan be agreed and published for public consultation for a minimum period of 8 weeks;

2)    following consultation, the Local Plan, the public’s responses and other supporting documents be submitted to the Secretary of State for examination by a Planning Inspector; and

3)    following the close of public consultation, the City Planning Officer be authorised, in discussion with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee, to compile

11 November 2013

The Aldgate Highway Changes and Public Realm Improvement Project is a unique opportunity to achieve transformational change in the public realm and highways of the Aldgate area, through removing barriers to movement, reducing road danger and providing fresh public realm amenity. It is envisaged that the public realm improvements would include a new kiosk, feature seating and lighting, provide drinking fountains and play equipment and public art. The highway changes would include the conversion of Aldgate High Street and St Botolph Street to two-way working and there would be new pedestrian crossing facilities.

Following the submission of the Gateway 3 report in February 2013 officers undertook both public consultation on, and technical investigations into, the Aldgate Highways Changes and Public Realm Improvement project. The results of both the consultation and technical investigations allowed officers to identify a preferred option and the detailed proposals were approved by the Open Spaces and City Gardens and Finance Committees, and the Streets and Walkways and Projects Sub Committees during October 2013. It was necessary to seek the approval of the Court under urgency procedures to progress the project at an estimated cost of £16.3m-£17.1m – to Gateway 5 in order to prevent a delay of several weeks, which would have seriously affected the planned schedule of the project.

The report forecasted that £8m would be funded by Transport for London (to be formally agreed during November 2013) and that the remaining £8.3-£9.1m would be met using City of London Corporation Section 106 funds. Therefore sufficient funds existed to progress the scheme to Gateway 5. One potential exception to the forecasted capital funding was that of the proposed kiosk, to be located in the public square, it may be necessary to fund the kiosk via Property Investment Board funds, City Cash, or

11 November 2013

The Aldgate Highway Changes and Public Realm Improvement Project is a unique opportunity to achieve transformational change in the public realm and highways of the Aldgate area, through removing barriers to movement, reducing road danger and providing fresh public realm amenity. It is envisaged that the public realm improvements would include a new kiosk, feature seating and lighting, provide drinking fountains and play equipment and public art. The highway changes would include the conversion of Aldgate High Street and St Botolph Street to two-way working and there would be new pedestrian crossing facilities.

Following the submission of the Gateway 3 report in February 2013 officers undertook both public consultation on, and technical investigations into, the Aldgate Highways Changes and Public Realm Improvement project. The results of both the consultation and technical investigations allowed officers to identify a preferred option and the detailed proposals were approved by the Open Spaces and City Gardens and Finance Committees, and the Streets and Walkways and Projects Sub Committees during October 2013. It was necessary to seek the approval of the Court under urgency procedures to progress the project at an estimated cost of £16.3m-£17.1m – to Gateway 5 in order to prevent a delay of several weeks, which would have seriously affected the planned schedule of the project.

The report forecasted that £8m would be funded by Transport for London (to be formally agreed during November 2013) and that the remaining £8.3-£9.1m would be met using City of London Corporation Section 106 funds. Therefore sufficient funds existed to progress the scheme to Gateway 5. One potential exception to the forecasted capital funding was that of the proposed kiosk, to be located in the public square, it may be necessary to fund the kiosk via Property Investment Board funds, City Cash, or

(John George Stewart Scott, J.P., B.A.(Hons))

28 October 2013

City of London Visitor Strategy 2013-2017

During the last decade the City Corporation’s growing recognition of the importance of visitor issues and its development of visitor services has led it to create a portfolio of activity which not only supports corporate aims, but makes a valued contribution to wider London and government agendas.  The previous versions of the Visitor Strategy have provided a rationale, a plan and a showcase for these activities and the latest updated version is now recommended for ratification and adoption. A separately printed report has been circulated to Members seeking endorsement of the actions contained within the Strategy and the need to recognise the growing importance of the visitor and tourism agenda to the activities of the City and we recommend approval thereof. 

CULTURE, HERITAGE AND LIBRARIES COMMITTEE

(John George Stewart Scott, J.P., B.A.(Hons))

28 October 2013

City of London Visitor Strategy 2013-2017

During the last decade the City Corporation’s growing recognition of the importance of visitor issues and its development of visitor services has led it to create a portfolio of activity which not only supports corporate aims, but makes a valued contribution to wider London and government agendas.  The previous versions of the Visitor Strategy have provided a rationale, a plan and a showcase for these activities and the latest updated version is now recommended for ratification and adoption. A separately printed report has been circulated to Members seeking endorsement of the actions contained within the Strategy and the need to recognise the growing importance of the visitor and tourism agenda to the activities of the City and we recommend approval thereof. 

The Chairman responded to a number of detailed questions and, in response to a question from Brian Mooney, the Chairman undertook to advise the Member of the budget for the promotion of the City’s visitor attractions.

Read and agreed to.

(Charles Edward Lord, O.B.E., J.P.)

29 November 2013

Appointment of Co-opted Members of the Standards Committee

The Standards Committee comprises ten Members, four of whom are Co-opted Members and must be independent from the City Corporation (ie. must not be Common Councilmen).   Whilst Co-opted Members are no longer a statutory requirement, following the introduction of the Localism Act 2011, the City of London Corporation has approved the inclusion of Co-opted Members on the Standards Committee to maximise the breadth of knowledge and experience on the Committee.   Following the introduction of the new standards arrangements in 2012, those serving Co-opted Members were retained in the non-statutory role.

Three vacancies for Co-opted Members of the Committee have arisen over recent months following completion of the terms of office of Dr Colin Kolbert, Howard Lederman and Felicity Lusk.  

For the purposes of such appointments, a Selection Panel was established by the Court in November 2000 comprising the Chairman of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen, the Chief Commoner and the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, or their representatives.  The vacancies were advertised on the Guardian Online, Universal Jobmatch, the City AM (on-line) and the City of London Corporation’s webpages between September and October.  Four valid applications were received and considered by the Selection Panel.  The Panel also considered the re-appointment of Felicity Lusk for a further term of office (to expire in December 2017). 

It should be noted that the recommendations by the Selection Panel will be considered by your Standards Committee at it’s next meeting which is not until 29^th November 2013, a date following the preparation and despatch of this report.

However in anticipation of our endorsing the Panel’s findings, the purpose of this report is to seek approval to the recommendation of the

STANDARDS COMMITTEE

Charles Edward Lord, O.B.E., J.P.)

29 November 2013

Appointment of Co-opted Members of the Standards Committee

The Standards Committee comprises ten Members, four of whom are Co-opted Members and must be independent from the City Corporation (ie. must not be Common Councilmen).   Whilst Co-opted Members are no longer a statutory requirement, following the introduction of the Localism Act 2011, the City of London Corporation has approved the inclusion of Co-opted Members on the Standards Committee to maximise the breadth of knowledge and experience on the Committee.   Following the introduction of the new standards arrangements in 2012, those serving Co-opted Members were retained in the non-statutory role.

Three vacancies for Co-opted Members of the Committee have arisen over recent months following completion of the terms of office of Dr Colin Kolbert, Howard Lederman and Felicity Lusk.  

For the purposes of such appointments, a Selection Panel was established by the Court in November 2000 comprising the Chairman of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen, the Chief Commoner and the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, or their representatives.  The vacancies were advertised on the Guardian Online, Universal Jobmatch, the City AM (on-line) and the City of London Corporation’s webpages between September and October.  Four valid applications were received and considered by the Selection Panel.  The Panel also considered the re-appointment of Felicity Lusk for a further term of office (to expire in December 2017). 

It should be noted that the recommendations by the Selection Panel will be considered by your Standards Committee at it’s next meeting which is not until 29^th November 2013, a date following the preparation and despatch of this report.

However in anticipation of our endorsing the Panel’s findings, the purpose of this report is to seek approval to the recommendation

“That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business below on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972:-

A) recommendations of the Property Investment Board on the refurbishment of 53 New Broad Street EC2;

B) recommendations of the Property Investment Board on the lease concerning Salters Hall Garden, St. Alphage Gardens / Fore Street, EC2; and

C) recommendations of the Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee concerning a matter of hospitality?”

Resolved – That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business below on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government  Act, 1972:-

Summary of exempt items considered while the public were excluded 

The Court –

a)     approved action taken under urgency procedures approving recommendations of the project sub on the refurbishment of a vacant office building

b)     approved action taken under urgency procedure approving recommendations of Property Investment Board on the grant of a new lease; and

c)     approved the details of a proposed resolution concerning a hospitality event.