Agenda and minutes

Resolved  – That the Minutes of the last two Courts are correctly recorded and that the informal response of Archbishop Desmond Tutu at his Honorary Freedom on 25 November 2013 be included in the records of the meeting of that day, for safe keeping and posterity.

Resolved unanimously – That it is with great sadness that the Members of this Honourable Court learn of the death of their friend and colleague, Deputy Robin Eve.

Robin faithfully represented the Ward of Cheap and served continuously on this Court for nearly 34 years. He was a member of various City Corporation Committees becoming Chairman of the Establishment Committee and on more than one occasion Chairman of the Board of Governors of the City of London Freemen’s School, which was particularly significant for him bearing in mind that he was a former pupil and old boy of the School.

Robin’s civic career culminated in his being elected chairman of the City Lands & Bridge House Estates Committee and, therefore, Chief Commoner in 2000.

Throughout his illness, Robin showed great courage and determination and his colleagues on this Honourable Court take this opportunity to express to Ann and to his family, their most sincere condolences at this sad and painful time for them.

Resolved unanimously – that the sincere congratulations of this Court be offered to Alderman Sir Roger Gifford on his recent appointment by Her Majesty the Queen as a Knight Bachelor for services to international business, charity and the City of London.

Resolvedunanimously - that the sincere congratulations of this Court be offered to Deputy Michael Welbank, MBE on his recent appointment by Her Majesty the Queen as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services to local government and to the community in north west London.

Deputy Welbank was heard in reply.

Resolved unanimously - that the sincere congratulations of this Court be offered to Philip Jordan, QPM, the new City Marshal and a former Chief Superintendent at the Metropolitan Policeon his recent award of the Queen’s Police Medal by Her Majesty the Queen.

Resolved unanimously - that the sincere congratulations of this Court be offered to Police Constable Ian John Mansfield, MBE of the City of London Police, on his recent appointment by Her Majesty the Queen as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services to counter terrorism.

Resolved unanimously - that the sincere congratulations of this Court be offered to Patrick Otto Rarden, MBE Special Inspector at the City of London Police, on his recent appointment by Her Majesty the Queen as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services to policing.

The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor reported on her recent overseas visit to Hong Kong and Taiwan.

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.

(Third and Final 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.

(Third and Final 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 third time, do pass into Law and do become an Act of Common Council.

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

The Remembrancer reported on measures introduced to 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 appointed

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.

Votes

John Alfred Barker, O.B.E., Deputy                       37

Graeme Martyn Smith                                           61 *

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

Votes

*John George Stewart Scott, J.P., B.A.(Hons)       74*

Graeme Martyn Smith                                           35

*Michael Welbank, M.B.E., Deputy                        78*

c) To agree with the recommendation of the Standards Committee that Ms Felicity Lusk and Ms Judith Barnes be appointed as Co-opted Members of the Standards Committee for four year terms to expire in December 2017.

Affirmative                                                           93

Negative                                                  4

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.

Votes

John Alfred Barker, O.B.E., Deputy                       37

Graeme Martyn Smith                                           61

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Graeme Smith to have been appointed on the Open Spaces & City Gardens and West Ham Park Committees for the balance of a term to expire in April 2014.

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

Votes

John George Stewart Scott, J.P., B.A.(Hons)         74

Graeme Martyn Smith                                           35

Michael Welbank, M.B.E., Deputy                         78

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared John Scott and Deputy Michael Welbank to have been appointed on the Board of Governors of the Museum of London for four year terms to expire in December 2017.

c) To agree with the recommendation of the Standards Committee that Ms Felicity Lusk and Ms Judith Barnes be appointed as Co-opted Members of the Standards Committee for four year terms to expire in December 2017.

Affirmative                                                           93

Negative                                         4

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Felicity Lusk and Judith Barnes to be appointed as Co-opted Members of the Standards Committee for four year terms to expire in December 2017.

a) One Member on the Hampstead Heath Management Committee for the balance of a term to expire in April 2014.

Nomination received:-

Ann Holmes

b) One Member on the Investment Committee for the balance of a term to expire in April 2016.

Nomination received:-

Michael Hudson

c) One Member on The City Bridge Trust Committee for the balance of a term to expire in April 2016.

Nominations received:-

The Revd.Dr. Martin Dudley

Stanley Ginsburg J.P., Deputy

Ann Holmes

Andrew Stratton McMurtrie

Judith Lindsay Pleasance

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

d) One Member on the Castle Baynard Educational Foundation for the balance of a term to expire in March 2016

Nomination received:-

Jeremy Lewis Simons, M.Sc.

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 Hampstead Heath Management Committee for the balance of a term to expire in April 2014.

Nomination received:-

Ann Holmes

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Ann Holmes to have been appointed on the Hampstead Heath Management Committee for the balance of a term to expire in April 2014.

b) One Member on the Investment Committee for the balance of a term to expire in April 2016.

Nomination received:-

Michael Hudson

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Michael Hudson to have been appointed on the Investment Committee for the balance of a term to expire in April 2016.

c) One Member on The City Bridge Trust Committee for the balance of a term to expire in April 2016.

Nominations received:-

The Revd. Dr. Martin Dudley

Stanley Ginsburg J.P., Deputy

Ann Holmes

Andrew Stratton McMurtrie

Judith Lindsay Pleasance

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

Read.

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

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

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

d) One Member on the Castle Baynard Educational Foundation for the balance of a term to expire in March 2016.

Nomination received:-

Jeremy Lewis Simons, M.Sc.

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Jeremy Simons to have been appointed on the Castle Baynard Educational Foundation for the balance of a term to expire in March 2016.

There were no questions.

Received.

By Henry Llewellyn Michael Jones, Deputy

“That Delis Regis be appointed on the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee and John Fletcher be appointed on the Markets Committee for the Ward of Farringdon Without, both in the room of Ibthayhaj Gani?”

Resolved - That Delis Regis be appointed on the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee and John Fletcher be appointed on the Markets Committee for the Ward of Portsoken, both in the room of Ibthayhaj Gani.

National Joint Utilities Group Partnership Award 2013

Report of the Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee.

“The City of London Corporation was awarded the “National Joint Utilities Group Partnership Award 2013” on the 10^th December 2013 at the House of Commons for its work in partnering with office developers and telecoms providers in promoting a scheme for communal entry chambers for new developments in the City. 

Communal entry chambers, which are built under the public highway, have been constructed for 11 new office developments in the City. They have resulted in faster, more coordinated installation of telecoms services into new office buildings, reducing the incidence of street works and disruption to vehicle and pedestrian movement in the City, and avoiding disturbing newly landscaped areas around new developments. The initiative has been led by the City Property Advisory Team (CPAT) and the Department of Built Environment (DBE), and has saved a total of 396 days working in the public highway in the City of London throughout 2013.

The City’s planning powers (section 106) have been amended to require developers to fund the building of communal entry chambers to supply new developments. Chambers are funded, owned, and maintained by the developer, under a section 50 highways licence – “private apparatus under a public street”, and on-going access and is managed by the building owner.

The judging panel from the National Joint Utilities Group made the following comment:

“The City of London Corporation’s submission showed both great partnership engagement and working but also demonstrated a proactive approach to effectively future proof the location from further unnecessary disruption. It showed great awareness in thinking beyond the matter at hand.”

National Joint Utilities Group Partnership Award 2013

Report of the Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee.

“The City of London Corporation was awarded the “National Joint Utilities Group Partnership Award 2013” on the 10^th December 2013 at the House of Commons for its work in partnering with office developers and telecoms providers in promoting a scheme for communal entry chambers for new developments in the City. 

Communal entry chambers, which are built under the public highway, have been constructed for 11 new office developments in the City. They have resulted in faster, more coordinated installation of telecoms services into new office buildings, reducing the incidence of street works and disruption to vehicle and pedestrian movement in the City, and avoiding disturbing newly landscaped areas around new developments. The initiative has been led by the City Property Advisory Team (CPAT) and the Department of Built Environment (DBE), and has saved a total of 396 days working in the public highway in the City of London throughout 2013.

The City’s planning powers (section 106) have been amended to require developers to fund the building of communal entry chambers to supply new developments. Chambers are funded, owned, and maintained by the developer, under a section 50 highways licence – “private apparatus under a public street”, and on-going access and is managed by the building owner.

The judging panel from the National Joint Utilities Group made the following comment:

“The City of London Corporation’s submission showed both great partnership engagement and working but also demonstrated a proactive approach to effectively future proof the location from further unnecessary disruption. It showed great awareness in thinking beyond the matter at hand.

Received.

(Michael Welbank, M.B.E., Deputy)

PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

26 November 2013

Your Committee seeks approval for the adoption of the revised West Smithfield Area Enhancement Strategy to progress the delivery of public realm improvement and a separately printed report has been submitted thereon.

The Strategy will -

a)     provide improvements to the public realm in the West Smithfield Area to benefit the increasing number of pedestrians using the streets and new developments including Crossrail;

b)     provide an improved, accessible and functional pedestrian environment that would support the projected increased pedestrian footfall, whilst supporting the activity of Smithfield meat market and the continuing operation of St Bart’s Hospital; and

c)     identify current issues and future demands and set out a framework for addressing these within the context of existing policies and guidance.

In addition, the Strategy sets out a delivery plan which identifies projects arising from the Strategy, it prioritises them and indicates the funding strategy for delivery and we recommend its adoption.

26 November 2013

Your Committee seeks approval for the adoption of the revised West Smithfield Area Enhancement Strategy to progress the delivery of public realm improvement and a separately printed report has been submitted thereon.

The Strategy will -

a)     provide improvements to the public realm in the West Smithfield Area to benefit the increasing number of pedestrians using the streets and new developments including Crossrail;

b)     provide an improved, accessible and functional pedestrian environment that would support the projected increased pedestrian footfall, whilst supporting the activity of Smithfield meat market and the continuing operation of St Bart’s Hospital; and

c)     identify current issues and future demands and set out a framework for addressing these within the context of existing policies and guidance.

In addition, the Strategy sets out a delivery plan which identifies projects arising from the Strategy, it prioritises them and indicates the funding strategy for delivery and we recommend its adoption.

Read and agreed to.

12 January 2014

Section 55(3A) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) requires the City of London Corporation (together with the London Borough Councils and Transport for London) to report to the Mayor of London on action taken in respect of any deficit or surplus in their On-Street Parking Account for each financial year.

We submit a short printed and circulated report thereon, which we recommend be noted and submitted to the Mayor of London.

12 January 2014

Section 55(3A) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) requires the City of London Corporation (together with the London Borough Councils and Transport for London) to report to the Mayor of London on action taken in respect of any deficit or surplus in their On-Street Parking Account for each financial year.

We submit a short printed and circulated report thereon, which we recommend be noted and submitted to the Mayor of London.

Read and agreed to.

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

4 December 2013

Public Library Byelaws

It is a requirement of the Public Libraries and Museums Act, 1964 (the legislation that governs the provision of library services by local authorities) that library services shall have byelaws setting out the rules for their use, formally approved by their parent Council.  The byelaws follow a standard formula recommended by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and, subject to the endorsement of the Court, would require further approval by the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport.

The library byelaws currently in force in the City were approved by the Court in 1966 and are in need of updating.  A revised set of byelaws has been drafted and is attached to a separately printed and circulated report and we recommend the approval thereof.

CULTURE, HERITAGE AND LIBRARIES COMMITTEE

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

4 December 2013

Public Library Byelaws

It is a requirement of the Public Libraries and Museums Act, 1964 (the legislation that governs the provision of library services by local authorities) that library services shall have byelaws setting out the rules for their use, formally approved by their parent Council.  The byelaws follow a standard formula recommended by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and, subject to the endorsement of the Court, would require further approval by the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport.

The library byelaws currently in force in the City were approved by the Court in 1966 and are in need of updating.  A revised set of byelaws has been drafted and is attached to a separately printed and circulated report and we recommend the approval thereof.

Read and agreed to.

(George Marr Flemington Gillon, Chief Commoner)

12 November 2013 & 11 December 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:-

HOSPITALITY WORKING PARTY OF THE POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

(George Marr Flemington Gillon, Chief Commoner)

12 November 2013 & 11 December 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.

(Jeremy Paul Mayhew, MA, MBA)

11 December 2013

Audit and Risk Management Committee – Appointment of Independent Members

At its meeting on 9 September 2011 the Court agreed the procedure for appointing the external, independent, members of the Audit and Risk Management Committee. Whilst the procedure specifies that appointments cover a four year term, it does not include any scope for the re-appointment of existing members. We submit for your approval a printed report which seeks to address this by varying the procedure to allow external members to be re-appointed for a further term.  However, in the interests of maintaining a fresh perspective,we are also recommending that, normally, a maximum of two terms be served in total.

We also seek the Court’s approval to the re-appointment of Kenneth Ludlam and Caroline Mawhood, the current external members of the Audit and Risk Management Committee.  Both terms expire in March 2014 and, in order to maintain an element of continuity, your Committee is recommending that their proposed new terms be staggered at 3 and 4 years respectively, expiring in 2017 and 2018.  For your information, the term of the third external member, Hilary Daniels, who was appointed by the Court in 2012, expires in 2016.

AUDIT & RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

(Jeremy Paul Mayhew, MA, MBA)

11 December 2013

Audit and Risk Management Committee – Appointment of Independent Members

At its meeting on 9 September 2011 the Court agreed the procedure for appointing the external, independent, members of the Audit and Risk Management Committee. Whilst the procedure specifies that appointments cover a four year term, it does not include any scope for the re-appointment of existing members. We submit for your approval a printed report which seeks to address this by varying the procedure to allow external members to be re-appointed for a further term.  However, in the interests of maintaining a fresh perspective, we are also recommending that, normally, a maximum of two terms be served in total.

We also seek the Court’s approval to the re-appointment of Kenneth Ludlam and Caroline Mawhood, the current external members of the Audit and Risk Management Committee.  Both terms expire in March 2014 and, in order to maintain an element of continuity, your Committee is recommending that their proposed new terms be staggered at 3 and 4 years respectively, expiring in 2017 and 2018.  For your information, the term of the third external member, Hilary Daniels, who was appointed by the Court in 2012, expires in 2016.

Received.

(Alderman Peter Hewitt)

13 December 2013

Social Investment Board - Update on activities

Under the leadership of the Policy & Resources Committee, the City Corporation is working to position London as a global hub for social investment. In October 2012 the Court approved a designation of £20 million from Bridge House Estates for investments that produce a positive financial return and demonstrable social benefit and we submit a printed and circulated report informing Members of progress and we recommend that it be noted.

SOCIAL INVESTMENT BOARD OF THE INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

(Alderman Peter Hewitt)

13 December 2013

Social Investment Board - Update on activities

Under the leadership of the Policy & Resources Committee, the City Corporation is working to position London as a global hub for social investment. In October 2012 the Court approved a designation of £20 million from Bridge House Estates for investments that produce a positive financial return and demonstrable social benefit and we submit a printed and circulated report informing Members of progress and we recommend that it be noted.

Received.

(William Harry Dove, M.B.E., J.P., Deputy)

28 November 2013

City of London as Trustee of the Bridge House Estates

At a recent meeting of The City Bridge Trust Committee Members requested clarification regarding the position in respect of the Bridge House Estates and City Bridge Trust being ‘independent of the Corporation’. The Committee also sought clarification regarding Members’ responsibilities when acting as Bridge House Estates Trustees.

We therefore submit, for your information, a separately printed and circulated report which explains the role of the City of London Corporation as Trustee of the Charity, Bridge House Estates and clarifies the distinct functions and responsibilities of the Committees of the Court of Common Council of the City Corporation that conduct business relating to the Charity.

THE CITY BRIDGE TRUST COMMITTEE

(William Harry Dove, M.B.E., J.P., Deputy)

28 November 2013

City of London as Trustee of the Bridge House Estates

At a recent meeting of The City Bridge Trust Committee Members requested clarification regarding the position in respect of the Bridge House Estates and City Bridge Trust being ‘independent of the Corporation’. The Committee also sought clarification regarding Members’ responsibilities when acting as Bridge House Estates Trustees.

We therefore submit, for your information, a separately printed and circulated report which explains the role of the City of London Corporation as Trustee of the Charity, Bridge House Estates and clarifies the distinct functions and responsibilities of the Committees of the Court of Common Council of the City Corporation that conduct business relating to the Charity.

Received.

(Roger Arthur Holden Chadwick)

13 December 2013

Since the latest edition of the City’s Procurement Regulations were approved in July 2012, there have been significant changes in the way in which the City organises its procurement, most notably the launch of the new City of London Procurement Service (CLPS) on 2^nd April 2013.  There have also been several important legislative and policy developments which have impacted on areas of the City’s procurement.  All of these developments require significant revisions to some of the existing Regulations, together with the introduction of some new regulations. The revisions and new regulations are more than minor technical updates and therefore require the approval of the Court and we submit a separately printed report for your approval.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

(Roger Arthur Holden Chadwick)

13 December 2013

(A)            City of London Procurement Regulations

Since the latest edition of the City’s Procurement Regulations were approved in July 2012, there have been significant changes in the way in which the City organises its procurement, most notably the launch of the new City of London Procurement Service (CLPS) on 2^nd April 2013.  There have also been several important legislative and policy developments which have impacted on areas of the City’s procurement.  All of these developments require significant revisions to some of the existing Regulations, together with the introduction of some new regulations. The revisions and new regulations are more than minor technical updates and therefore require the approval of the Court and we submit a separately printed report for your approval.

Read and agreed to.

As Members are aware, the current Chamberlain Chris Bilsland has given notice of his intention to retire on 31 May 2014. In accordance with Standing Order No. 61(1), the Recruitment Panel established by your Finance Committee submit a candidate for appointment as Chamberlain.

The candidate will appear before the Court of Common Council (in private session) and will give a presentation. Upon the candidate’s withdrawal from the Court, a ballot by Members will be held for the appointment.  On completion of that, the public will be re-admitted and the decision of the Court can be made known.

Our report has been separately printed and circulated only to Members as its contents include personal information relating to the candidate, which is considered to be exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

(B) Appointment of the Chamberlain

As Members are aware, the current Chamberlain Chris Bilsland has given notice of his intention to retire on 31 May 2014. In accordance with Standing Order No. 61(1), the Recruitment Panel established by your Finance Committee submit a candidate for appointment as Chamberlain.

The candidate will appear before the Court of Common Council (in private session) and will give a presentation. Upon the candidate’s withdrawal from the Court, a ballot by Members will be held for the appointment.  On completion of that, the public will be re-admitted and the decision of the Court can be made known.

Our report has been separately printed and circulated only to Members as its contents include personal information relating to the candidate, which is considered to be exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

Read.

“That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business below on the grounds that it involves 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 various property transactions?”

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 whilst the public were excluded

The Court:-

A) agreed recommendations of the Property Investment Board on various property transactions; and;

B)  approved the terms of an Address of Welcome to a visiting Head of State.