Agenda and minutes

The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor referred to the recent death of Lance Corporal Oliver Matthew Thomas of the 3 Military Intelligence Battalion in Afghanistan and informed the Court that she intended to write to his Commanding Officer to convey the condolences of the Members of this Honourable Court on behalf of the City to Lance Corporal Thomas’s family and colleagues. The Court stood briefly as a mark of respect.

The following Members, lately elected to be of the Common Council, for the Ward mentioned, were introduced to the Court and having, previously made the declaration prescribed by the Promissory Oaths Act, 1868, took their seats, viz:

Name                                                              Ward

Reverend William Campbell – Taylor              Portsoken

Nicholas Bensted Smith                                  Cheap

Pursuant to the decision of the Court of 24 October 2013, the Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor invited Deputy John Bennett to take up the office of Chief Commoner for the ensuing year.

Resolved unanimously – That this Honourable Court wishes to extend to

George Marr Flemington Gillon

Its sincere gratitude for the manner in which he has undertaken the role of Chief Commoner over the past year.

George took up the post in April 2013 and has worked hard representing the Members’ interests during the recent improvements to their facilities.

Throughout the past year he has carried out the many and varied, and sometimes difficult, tasks expected of the Chief Commoner with patience and sound judgement and we particularly acknowledge his spearheading of the commemoration of the start of World War 1 during a recent visit, organised by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, to Ypres, Belgium.

In taking leave of the Chief Commoner and in thanking him formally and sincerely, his colleagues wish to express their appreciation not only for his resourcefulness and hospitality during the past year, but also for his patience, consideration and courtesy and they wish him continued good health and happiness long into the future.

George Gillon was heard in reply.

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

Resolved - That the Members of this Honourable Court wish to place on record their appreciation to Peter Wynn Rees for his 29 years’ service as City Planning officer and for his contribution to the continuing success of the City of London.  

The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor reported on her recent overseas visits to Turkey, Italy, Cardiff and Bristol.

The Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee gave a detailed update on the developments since July last year on the debate on the UK’s relationship with the European Union. He reassured Members that the statement contained nothing new in respect of the City Corporation’s policy or approach. He concluded that the debate would continue for quite some time and explained that it was essential that the City Corporation continued to contribute and work with its business stakeholders to ensure that their views were being articulated and to work with HM Government to help inform an agenda for reform in Europe that would deliver jobs and growth across the continent.

In response to Members’ questions the Chairman stated that:-

- the question of Scottish independence was  a matter for the Scottish electorate;

- he would look into the City Corporation’s association with the pressure group ‘Migration Matters’; and

- there was no unanimous appetite in EU countries for the financial transaction tax and any such tax would have an effect on the UK whether or not Britain was in the EU.  

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 the City by Redemption:-

To His Excellency Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore; being nominated by the Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor and by Alderman Nicholas Anstee, Citizen and Butcher.  

To report action taken in approving an application for the Freedom of the City of London under urgency procedures on behalf of the Court of Common Council as there was insufficient time for the Court approval to be obtained in the usual way: To His Excellency Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore; being nominated by the Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor and by Alderman Nicholas Anstee, Citizen and Butcher.

Received.

(The text

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

¬ denotes appointed

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

Votes

The Revd. Dr. Martin Dudley                            36

Stanley Ginsburg J.P., Deputy                         60¬

(b) to appoint four Common Councilmen on The Honourable The Irish Society for terms of three years to expire in 2017.

                                                                      Votes

John David Absalom, Deputy                           32 (subject to re-ballot)

Peter Gerard Dunphy                                      44¬

Christopher Michael Hayward                           23

Wendy Hyde                                                   36¬

Gregory Percy Jones, Q.C.                              14

Vivienne Littlechild, J.P.                                   21

Oliver Arthur Wynlayne Lodge, T.D.                 30

Hugh Fenton Morris                                         32 (subject to re-ballot)

Elizabeth Rogula                                             51¬

Jeremy Lewis Simons, M.Sc.                           24

Patrick Thomas Streeter                                    6

N.B. In view of the equality of votes for the fourth place on the Honourable The Irish Society, it will be necessary to hold a second ballot between Deputy John Absalom and Hugh Morris.

(c) One Member on the Gresham Committee (City Side) for the balance of a term to expire in April 2016.

                                                                      Votes

Kenneth Edwin Ayers, MBE, Deputy                 17

George Marr Flemington Gillon                        24 (subject to re-ballot)

Michael Hudson                                                6

Wendy Hyde                                                   11

Charles Edward Lord, OBE, J.P.                      10

John George Stewart Scott, J.P.                      10

Patrick Thomas Streeter                                    1

Michael Welbank, Deputy                                19 (subject to re-ballot)

N.B. It will be necessary to hold a second ballot between George Gillon and Deputy Michael Welbank as no candidate achieved 40% of the votes cast as required by Standing Order No. 10(4)(b).

(d) Two Members on the Audit and Risk Management Committee, one for the balance of a term to expire in April 2016 and one for the balance of a term to expire in April 2015.

Votes

Charles Bowman, Alderman                             62¬

Timothy Russell Hailes, Alderman          68¬

Graeme Martyn Smith                                     34

(e) Two Members on

The Town Clerk reported the results of the ballot taken at the last Court for the appointment of The City Bridge Trust Committee.

¬denotes appointed

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

Votes

The Revd. Dr. Martin Dudley                            36

Stanley Ginsburg J.P., Deputy                         60¬

Read.

Whereupon the Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor declared Deputy Stanley Ginsburg to be appointed onto The City Bridge Trust Committee for term to expire in April 2016.

(b) to appoint four Common Councilmen on The Honourable The Irish Society for terms of three years to expire in 2017.

                                                            Votes

John David Absalom, Deputy                 32 (withdrawn from nomination)

Peter Gerard Dunphy                            44¬

Christopher Michael Hayward                 23

Wendy Hyde                                         36¬

Gregory Percy Jones, Q.C.                              14

Vivienne Littlechild, J.P.                         21

Oliver Arthur Wynlayne Lodge, T.D.       30

Hugh Fenton Morris                               32 (subject to re-ballot)

Elizabeth Rogula                                   51¬

Jeremy Lewis Simons, M.Sc.                 24

Patrick Thomas Streeter                          6

Read.

Whereupon the Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor declared Peter Dunphy, Wendy Hyde, High Morris and Elizabeth Rogula to be appointed onto The Honourable The Irish Society.

(c) One Member on the Gresham Committee (City Side) for the balance of a term to expire in April 2016.

                                                                      Votes

Kenneth Edwin Ayers, MBE, Deputy                 17

George Marr Flemington Gillon                        24 (subject to re-ballot)

Michael Hudson                                                6

Wendy Hyde                                                   11

Charles Edward Lord, OBE, J.P.                      10

John George Stewart Scott, J.P.                      10

Patrick Thomas Streeter                                    1

Michael Welbank, Deputy                                19 (subject to re-ballot)

N.B. It will be necessary to hold a second ballot between George Gillon and Deputy Michael Welbank as no candidate achieved 40% of the votes cast as required by Standing Order No. 10(4)(b).

Read.

The Court proceeded, in accordance with Standing Order

(A list of the proposed appointments, terms of reference and constitutions has been separately circulated).

 (Unless otherwise stated the requirement for certain Committees to have a Member with less than five years’ service on the Court, at the time of their appointment, is fulfilled by the existing membership).

Nominations received for vacancies of varying terms:-

Where appropriate:-

* denotes a Member standing for re-appointment; and

# denotes less than five years’ service on the Court.

< denotes less than ten years’ service on the Court.

a) Policy and Resources Committee (five vacancies).

One vacancy must be filled by a Member with less than ten years’ service on the Court.

(Contest)

Nominations received:-

< Randall Keith Anderson

<* John Alfred Bennett, Deputy

< Henry Nicholas Almroth Colthurst

< Wendy Marilyn Hyde

* Jeremy Paul Mayhew

* Wendy Mead

<* Hugh Fenton Morris

 John George Stewart Scott, J.P.

 Jeremy Lewis Simons

< Thomas Charles Christopher Sleigh

<*James Richard Tumbridge

b) Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee

(one vacancy).

(Contest)

Nominations received:-

   Kenneth Edwin Ayers, M.B.E., Deputy

   George Marr Flemington Gillon

* Richard David Regan, Deputy

c) Privileges Sub, Policy and Resources Committee (three vacancies).

 (Contest)

 Nominations received:-

* William Harry Dove, M.B.E., J.P., Deputy 

   George Marr Flemington Gillon

   Charles Edward Lord, O.B.E., J.P. 

* Richard David Regan, Deputy

d) Investment Committee (three vacancies).

(No contest)

Nominations received:-

* Michael John Cassidy, C.B.E., Deputy

   John Douglas Chapman, Deputy

* Ian Christopher Norman Seaton

e) Social Investment Board (two vacancies).

One vacancy must be filled by a Member with less than five years’ service on the Court.

(Contest)

 Nominations received:-

# Nicholas Bensted-Smith

* The Revd. Dr. Martin Dudley

# Ann Holmes

# Wendy Marilyn Hyde

f) Audit and Risk Management Committee (three vacancies).

(Contest)

Nominations received:-

  Randall Keith Anderson

  Nicholas Bensted-Smith

This[JD1]  day the Court proceeded to the annual appointment of Committees.

Notes

1. The format of this paper shows the constitution of each Committee, followed by the proposed membership and, lastly, its terms of reference.

2. Against the names of Common Councilmen are one or more numbers. A number shown without brackets reflects the total number of years that a Member has served on the Committee since first elected to the Court, including 2014/15.  Numbers in brackets apply only to Committees for which the Court makes an appointment for a four year period, and indicate which year of the period that Member is entering in 2014. (In the case of the Board of Governors of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and the Barbican Centre Board, appointments are for a three year period).

Nominations

3. Nominations for appointments on Ward Committees have been submitted in accordance with Standing Order No. 23(5).

4. Where a Ward chooses not to make a nomination to a Ward Committee or pair with another Ward, the vacancy shall be advertised to all Members and, on the basis of the nominations received, the appointment made by the Court.

5. Where a vacancy exists on a Ward Committee, an interim ward pairing option may be exercised (in accordance with the agreed ward pairing arrangements) until the replacement ward representative is agreed subsequent to the election of a new Common Councilman for the Ward.

Compliance with Standing Orders

6. Each Committee or Board, in carrying out the functions and responsibilities delegated to it by the Court of Common Council, shall do so in compliance with the City Corporation's

a) Finance Committee (one vacancy).

(Contest)

Nominations received:-

John Douglas Chapman, Deputy

Ann Holmes

Adam Fox McCloud Richardson

b) Port Health and Environmental Services Committee (one vacancy).

(Contest)

Nominations received:-

Nigel Kenneth Challis

Dennis Cotgrove, B.A. 

Ann Holmes

Wendy Marilyn Hyde

c) Community and Children’s Services Committee (eight vacancies).

(Contest)

Nominations received:-

Sir Michael David Bear, Alderman

Revd. William Campbell-Taylor

Karina Helen Dostalova

John Stuart Penton Lumley, Professor

Vivienne Littlechild, J.P.

Barbara Patricia Newman, C.B.E. 

Chris Punter

Delis Regis

Philip John Woodhouse

To appoint vacancies on Ward Committees (where not all places on Ward Committees are filled by Wards, vacancies can be filled by Members of the Court)

viz: -

a) Finance Committee (one vacancy).

(Contest)

Nominations received:-

John Douglas Chapman, Deputy

Ann Holmes

Adam Fox McCloud Richardson

Read.

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

b) Port Health and Environmental Services Committee (one vacancy).

(Contest)

Nominations received:-

Nigel Kenneth Challis

Dennis Cotgrove, B.A. 

Ann Holmes

Wendy Marilyn Hyde

Read.

Dennis Cotgrove sought, and was granted, leave to withdraw from the ballot.

c) Community and Children’s Services Committee (eight vacancies).

(Contest)

Nominations received:-

Sir Michael David Bear, Alderman

Revd. William Campbell-Taylor

Karina Helen Dostalova

John Stuart Penton Lumley, Professor

Vivienne Littlechild, J.P.

Barbara Patricia Newman, C.B.E. 

Chris Punter

Delis Regis

Philip John Woodhouse

Read.

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

The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor requested the Chief Commoner and the Chairman of the 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.

1) Alderman Alison Gowman asked a question of the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee enquiring about the steps to be taken in responding to the findings of the Environmental Audit Select Committee following their enquiry into Green Finance.

In reply, the Chairman explained that the report launched by the Select Committee, broadly supported the City Corporation’s views on “green finance”, in that, responding to climate change would be a big challenge. Also, investors would need to take the issue into account when making long term decisions and significant barriers would still need to be overcome, particularly with respect to infrastructure investment, in order to assist the transition to a low carbon economy and climate change resilience.

He detailed the measures which the City Corporation continued to support and to deliver and added that further ways of responding to the findings were being looked at. In concluding he stated that he had asked relevant officers to keep the Honourable Member informed.

2) Hugh Morris asked the Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee for an update on the proposed 20mph speed limit in the City.

In reply, the Chairman informed Members that his Committee considered the public consultation on the proposal on the 8^th April 2014 and they noted the receipt of 41 responses; made up of 12 objections and 29 messages of support. Three general themes had arisen from the objections namely the impact on motor vehicle journey times and the economic value of this; a preference for other methods to be used to achieve the traffic casualty reductions that the City wishes to achieve; and the coverage of the 20mph limit, both the geographical area and time of day.

He reminded Members that the themes raised by objectors had already been considered in detail in previous

There were no motions.

Barbican Music Library - Award

Report of the Chairman of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee.

I am delighted to announce that the City Corporation’s Barbican Music Library has been awarded the Excellence award by The International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres (IAML).

The IAML Excellence Award for Music Libraries is open to all music libraries in the UK and Ireland, no matter what their sector, size or type. The Award is presented every two years, and focuses on outstanding music services to the Library’s user community. The basis of the Award is to demonstrate sustained good work and good practice which has the potential to be adopted and adapted by others and may also include the serious development of a service and innovation of obviously lasting value.

The Library’s submission spoke of the exciting range of exhibitions that the Music Library has provided in partnership with others: for example, in the past year, the highly successful exhibition programme has included a celebration of the centenary of Sir Georg Solti in partnership with The Solti Foundation, and Rock Family Trees in partnership with the author, Pete Frame.

As evidence of innovation, the submission detailed the annual People’s Pianos programme. This project sees pupils from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama giving one to one piano lessons to residents aged over 60 using the digital pianos in the Barbican Music Library. As well as improving relationships between the participating generations, providing social opportunities for local residents, and enhancing the pupils’ appreciation of music, the project aims to make local people feel at home in the Barbican Centre and improve their sense of cultural community identity, whilst also supporting education (teaching experience is an essential requirement for undergraduates). Successful applicants must also be able to demonstrate excellence in

Barbican Music Library - Award

Report of the Chairman of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee.

“I am delighted to announce that the City Corporation’s Barbican Music Library has been awarded the Excellence award by The International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres (IAML).

The IAML Excellence Award for Music Libraries is open to all music libraries in the UK and Ireland, no matter what their sector, size or type. The Award is presented every two years, and focuses on outstanding music services to the Library’s user community. The basis of the Award is to demonstrate sustained good work and good practice which has the potential to be adopted and adapted by others and may also include the serious development of a service and innovation of obviously lasting value.

The Library’s submission spoke of the exciting range of exhibitions that the Music Library has provided in partnership with others: for example, in the past year, the highly successful exhibition programme has included a celebration of the centenary of Sir Georg Solti in partnership with The Solti Foundation, and Rock Family Trees in partnership with the author, Pete Frame.

As evidence of innovation, the submission detailed the annual People’s Pianos programme. This project sees pupils from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama giving one to one piano lessons to residents aged over 60 using the digital pianos in the Barbican Music Library. As well as improving relationships between the participating generations, providing social opportunities for local residents, and enhancing the pupils’ appreciation of music, the project aims to make local people feel at home in the Barbican Centre and improve their sense of cultural community identity, whilst also supporting education (teaching experience is an essential requirement for undergraduates). Successful applicants must also be able to demonstrate excellence in

(Mark John Boleat)

20 March 2014

In October 2014 the Court of Common Council approved an Education Strategy. Contained within that strategy was a proposal for the establishment of an overarching education body. It is now proposed that an Education Board be established as a grand committee of the Court of Common Council and we submit a separately printed and circulated report thereon for your approval.

The proposed Board will review and have oversight of the City Corporation’s education-related activities and oversee the implementation of the Education Strategy. It will be responsible for reviewing the strategy and making recommendations to Committees and the Court as appropriate on the delivery of the City Corporation’s vision and strategic objectives in this area. The Board will have responsibility for distributing funds allocated to it for educational purposes. It will also be responsible for the City academy schools and the City Corporation’s role as a school sponsor. The membership of the Board will be drawn from the Court and makes provision for the appointment of external representatives.

POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

(Mark John Boleat)

a)              Creation of an Education Board.

In October 2013 the Court of Common Council approved an Education Strategy. Contained within that strategy was a proposal for the establishment of an overarching education body. It is now proposed that an Education Board be established as a grand committee of the Court of Common Council and we submit a separately printed and circulated report thereon for your approval.

The proposed Board will review and have oversight of the City Corporation’s education-related activities and oversee the implementation of the Education Strategy. It will be responsible for reviewing the strategy and making recommendations to Committees and the Court as appropriate on the delivery of the City Corporation’s vision and strategic objectives in this area. The Board will have responsibility for distributing funds allocated to it for educational purposes. It will also be responsible for the City academy schools and the City Corporation’s role as a school sponsor. The membership of the Board will be drawn from the Court and makes provision for the appointment of external representatives.

Read.

Motion – “That an additional recommendation f) be added in the following terms ‘f) for the avoidance of doubt the right of the Court of Common Council to appoint Governors to the Boards of the City of London School, the City of London School for Girls and the City of London Freemen’s School should not be affected in any way’ and that the third and fourth bullet points of paragraph 9, at the top of the fourth page of the report be amended to read as follows:-

·        To be responsible for the oversight and monitoring of the City of London’s sponsorship of its Academies, including recommending to the Court of Common Council the appointment of governors.

·        To recommend to the Court of Common Council candidates for appointment of the City of London Corporation’s representative on school governing bodies where nomination rights are granted and which do not fall within the remit of any other committee.”

 On a show of hands, the Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor declared the Motion to be carried.

Resolved - That the report, as amended, be agreed to.

We have considered a number of facets relating to the City Corporation’s Corporate Governance, namely, a review of the Scheme of Delegation, a proposed change to Standing Orders and changes to the Project Procedure.   

The Scheme of Delegation has not been subject to a comprehensive review for a number of years and modifications are now proposed. The review reflects legislative changes that have occurred over the years and changes to the City Corporation’s policies which were not previously incorporated. 

The drive for efficiency savings including the Corporate Asset Realisation Programme and, more recently, Service Based Reviews have highlighted the need for the City Corporation to be effective in identifying those assets which are surplus to requirements. To assist this, a change is proposed to Standing Orders formalising the process for identifying assets as surplus.

The Project Procedure was approved by the Court of Common Council in November 2011. It has now been reviewed and a number of alterations are proposed to bring the Procedure up to date.

A printed and circulated report covering the matters referred to is now submitted for your consideration.

POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE

(Mark John Boleat)

B) Scheme of Delegations, Standing Orders and the Project Procedure

We have considered a number of facets relating to the City Corporation’s corporate governance, namely, a review of the Scheme of Delegation, a proposed change to Standing Orders and changes to the Project Procedure.   

The Scheme of Delegation has not been subject to a comprehensive review for a number of years and modifications are now proposed. The review reflects legislative changes that have occurred over the years and changes to the City Corporation’s policies which were not previously incorporated. 

The drive for efficiency savings including the Corporate Asset Realisation Programme and, more recently, Service Based Reviews have highlighted the need for the City Corporation to be effective in identifying those assets which are surplus to requirements. To assist this, a change is proposed to Standing Orders formalising the process for identifying assets as surplus.

The Project Procedure was approved by the Court of Common Council in November 2011. It has now been reviewed and a number of alterations are proposed to bring the Procedure up to date.

A printed and circulated report covering the matters referred to is now submitted for your consideration.

Read and agreed to.

20 February 2014

We have considered proposals for the adoption of a Protocol on visual and audio recording of the City Corporation’s public meetings. The Protocol has been developed to further assist the organisation in its transparency. It acknowledges the clear direction of travel of Government policy on the issue of recording public meetings, the potential for such activity to disrupt the conduct of meetings and sets out the parameters and requirements of those intending to record meetings.

A printed and circulated report has therefore been submitted for your consideration and we commend its proposal to adopt a Protocol for the filming and recording of public meetings.

(C) Filming and Recording of Public Meetings

We have considered proposals for the adoption of a Protocol on visual and audio recording of the City Corporation’s public meetings. The Protocol has been developed to further assist the organisation in its transparency. It acknowledges the clear direction of travel of Government policy on the issue of recording public meetings, the potential for such activity to disrupt the conduct of meetings and sets out the parameters and requirements of those intending to record meetings.

A printed and circulated report has therefore been submitted for your consideration and we commend its proposal to adopt a Protocol for the filming and recording of public meetings.

Read and agreed to.

The Chairman undertook to ensure that this protocol would be reviewed following its operation for one year and any necessary amendments would be submitted to the Court for approval.

(George Marr Flemington Gillon, Chief Commoner)

18 March 2014

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:-

(A)           Applications for the use of Guildhall

18 March 2014

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.

18 March 2014

It is proposed thatthe City of London Corporation hosts a lecture by Professor Jeremy Black followed by a reception and private dinner at Guildhall on 21 July 2014 as part of a wider programme of commemorative events planned to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Professor Jeremy Black is Professor of History at the University of Exeter and has a particular interest in military and diplomatic history. In April 2008 the Society of Military History recognised Professor Black's work, presenting him with the Samuel Eliot Morison Prize for lifetime achievement. The theme of Professor Black’s lecture will be “London – From Peace to War”, focusing on the impact on London of the outbreak of World War I. The event would form part of the City Corporation’s contribution to a nationwide programme of events marking the centenary of the First World War, and would coincide with a major exhibition on a similar theme, planned by the London Metropolitan Archives. The exhibition, called “Emergency! 1914”, is to run from May to September 2014.

The guest list would include academics, historians, representatives from Livery Companies, the City’s Privileged Regiments, the Museum of London and Imperial War Museum, London Metropolitan Archives, London Borough Mayors, Parliamentarians, City of London civic organisations, students from the City Academies and schools, and Members with relevant interests.

We recommend that hospitalitybe granted and that arrangements be left in the hands of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee; the cost to be met from City’s Cash, within the approved cost parameters.

(This will be a Committee event.)

(B) Centenary of the First World War: Lecture on ‘London - From Peace to War’

18 March 2014

It is proposed thatthe City of London Corporation hosts a lecture by Professor Jeremy Black followed by a reception and private dinner at Guildhall on 21 July 2014 as part of a wider programme of commemorative events planned to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Professor Jeremy Black is Professor of History at the University of Exeter and has a particular interest in military and diplomatic history. In April 2008 the Society of Military History recognised Professor Black's work, presenting him with the Samuel Eliot Morison Prize for lifetime achievement. The theme of Professor Black’s lecture will be “London – From Peace to War”, focusing on the impact on London of the outbreak of World War I. The event would form part of the City Corporation’s contribution to a nationwide programme of events marking the centenary of the First World War, and would coincide with a major exhibition on a similar theme, planned by the London Metropolitan Archives. The exhibition, called “Emergency! 1914”, is to run from May to September 2014.

The guest list would include academics, historians, representatives from Livery Companies, the City’s Privileged Regiments, the Museum of London and Imperial War Museum, London Metropolitan Archives, London Borough Mayors, Parliamentarians, City of London civic organisations, students from the City Academies and schools, and Members with relevant interests.

We recommend that hospitalitybe granted and that arrangements be left in the hands of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee; the cost to be met from City’s Cash, within the approved cost parameters.

(This will be a Committee event.)

Read and agreed to.

It is proposed thatthe City of London Corporation hosts a dinner at Guildhall on 28 July 2015 at the conclusion of the first day of the Association of Commonwealth Serjeants at Arms conference.

The conference, which will take place at the House of Commons, is held in London every five years. Delegates from over 40 Commonwealth countries will attend. The City previously hosted a dinner to coincide with the 2009 conference.

The purpose of the conference is to bring together Serjeants at Arms and Gentlemen Ushers of the Black Rod from across the Commonwealth to discuss aspects of their role. The 2015 conference will coincide with the 600^th anniversary of the first appointment of a Serjeant at Arms to provide security at the House of Commons. The City hosted dinner will help to strengthen the City’s relationship with Parliament and the House Authorities and with Commonwealth Parliaments.

It is anticipated that the guest list will be drawn predominantly from representatives attending the conference and bodies connected to Parliament. MPs and Peers representing the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in the UK and representatives of similar associations from the Commonwealth Jurisdictions will also attend.

We recommend that hospitalitybe granted and that arrangements be left in the hands of the Hospitality Working Party; the cost to be met from City’s Cash, within the approved cost parameters.

(This will be a Committee event.)

(C) Commonwealth Serjeant at Arms 600^th Anniversary Conference

It is proposed thatthe City of London Corporation hosts a dinner at Guildhall on 28 July 2015 at the conclusion of the first day of the Association of Commonwealth Serjeants at Arms conference.

The conference, which will take place at the House of Commons, is held in London every five years. Delegates from over 40 Commonwealth countries will attend. The City previously hosted a dinner to coincide with the 2009 conference.

The purpose of the conference is to bring together Serjeants at Arms and Gentlemen Ushers of the Black Rod from across the Commonwealth to discuss aspects of their role. The 2015 conference will coincide with the 600^th anniversary of the first appointment of a Serjeant at Arms to provide security at the House of Commons. The City hosted dinner will help to strengthen the City’s relationship with Parliament and the House Authorities and with Commonwealth Parliaments.

It is anticipated that the guest list will be drawn predominantly from representatives attending the conference and bodies connected to Parliament. MPs and Peers representing the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in the UK and representatives of similar associations from the Commonwealth Jurisdictions will also attend.

We recommend that hospitalitybe granted and that arrangements be left in the hands of the Hospitality Working Party; the cost to be met from City’s Cash, within the approved cost parameters.

(This will be a Committee event.)

Read and agreed to.

It is proposed thatthe City of London Corporation hosts a lunchtime reception at Guildhall following the National Service of Remembrance at St Paul’s Cathedral on 18^th June 2015, which marks the 200^th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.

The Battle of Waterloo was the culmination of a long campaign ending over 20 years of conflict in Europe and heralding 50 years of peace and stability.

Arrangements at St Paul’s Cathedral for the 200^th anniversary are in the hands of Waterloo 200, an official commemorative committee established in 2005 to deliver a fitting commemoration of the battle and its legacy.

The guest list is expected to include a senior member of the Royal Family, Royal Regiments, Armed Forces personnel, and associated diplomats, political, city and business representatives. The Court of Common Council, which was original scheduled to take place on this date, was moved some time ago to 25 June 2015 to allow Members to attend this event.

We recommend that hospitalitybe granted and that arrangements be left in the hands of the Hospitality Working Party; the cost to be met from City’s Cash, within the approved cost parameters.

(This will be a Full Court event.)

(D)Reception to mark the 200^th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.

It is proposed thatthe City of London Corporation hosts a lunchtime reception at Guildhall following the National Service of Remembrance at St Paul’s Cathedral on 18^th June 2015, which marks the 200^th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.

The Battle of Waterloo was the culmination of a long campaign ending over 20 years of conflict in Europe and heralding 50 years of peace and stability.

Arrangements at St Paul’s Cathedral for the 200^th anniversary are in the hands of Waterloo 200, an official commemorative committee established in 2005 to deliver a fitting commemoration of the battle and its legacy.

The guest list is expected to include a senior member of the Royal Family, Royal Regiments, Armed Forces personnel, and associated diplomats, political, city and business representatives. The Court of Common Council, which was original scheduled to take place on this date, was moved some time ago to 25 June 2015 to allow Members to attend this event.

We recommend that hospitalitybe granted and that arrangements be left in the hands of the Hospitality Working Party; the cost to be met from City’s Cash, within the approved cost parameters.

(This will be a Full Court event.)

Read and agreed to.

i) British-American Parliamentary Group Dinner

On 21^st March the British-American Parliamentary Group’s (BAPG) Annual Parliamentary/Congressional Conference was held in London and we report, for information, action taken as a matter of urgency, pursuant to Standing Order No.19, in approving arrangements for the City of London Corporation to host a dinner for 80 guests in the Crypts. This decision was taken under urgency as the BAPG needed to confirm arrangements with the delegates and likely invitees prior to the next scheduled Court of Common Council meeting.

The event provided an opportunity for the City of London Corporation to strengthen contacts between the City and both British and American politicians.

The arrangements for the BAPG dinner were made under the auspices of the Public Relations and Economic Development Sub Committee with the cost being met from City’s Cash and within the approved cost parameters.

This was a Committee event.

ii) Prime Minister of Italy

The City of London Corporation was approached by the Italian Embassy to host a speech by the then Prime Minister of Italy Mr Enrico Letta on 24^th February 2014 and we report, for information, action taken as a matter of urgency, pursuant to Standing Order No.19, in approving arrangements for the City of London Corporation to host an early evening reception and dinner in the Old Library and Art Gallery. This decision was taken using urgency procedures as the event preceded the next Court of Common Council meeting.

A decision was taken not to report this action at the previous Court of Common Council meeting as there was some uncertainty over the details of the event. Subsequently, however, Mr Letta resigned from the post of Prime Minister and the event was cancelled.

iii) Prime Minister of Japan

We report, for information, action taken as a

(E) Report of action taken under urgency procedures

i) British-American Parliamentary Group Dinner

On 21^st March the British-American Parliamentary Group’s (BAPG) Annual Parliamentary/Congressional Conference was held in London and we report, for information, action taken as a matter of urgency, pursuant to Standing Order No.19, in approving arrangements for the City of London Corporation to host a dinner for 80 guests in the Crypts. This decision was taken under urgency as the BAPG needed to confirm arrangements with the delegates and likely invitees prior to the next scheduled Court of Common Council meeting.

The event provided an opportunity for the City of London Corporation to strengthen contacts between the City and both British and American politicians.

The arrangements for the BAPG dinner were made under the auspices of the Public Relations and Economic Development Sub Committee with the cost being met from City’s Cash and within the approved cost parameters.

This was a Committee event.

ii) Prime Minister of Italy

The City of London Corporation was approached by the Italian Embassy to host a speech by the then Prime Minister of Italy Mr Enrico Letta on 24^th February 2014and we report, for information, action taken as a matter of urgency, pursuant to Standing Order No.19, in approving arrangements for the City of London Corporation to host an early evening reception and dinner in the Old Library and Art Gallery. This decision was taken using urgency procedures as the event preceded the next Court of Common Council meeting.

A decision was taken not to report this action at the previous Court of Common Council meeting as there was some uncertainty over the details of the event. Subsequently, however, Mr Letta resigned from the post of Prime Minister and the event was cancelled.

iii) Prime Minister of Japan

We

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

25 February 2014

City of London Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

The City of London Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) replaces Section 106 planning obligations and is a statutory fixed charge on new development intended to help fund the provision of new infrastructure to support development.  CIL can be used to fund the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure but cannot be used to fund affordable housing and revenue schemes as these are still to be sought through scaled back S106 planning obligations.  The City CIL will not put the growth of the City at risk, whilst continuing to deliver capital funding to help deliver necessary infrastructure improvements.

We recommend the approval of a separately printed and circulated report which proposes that the City of London Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) be adopted and implemented, taking effect on 1 July 2014.

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

25 February 2014

City of London Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

The City of London Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) replaces Section 106 planning obligations and is a statutory fixed charge on new development intended to help fund the provision of new infrastructure to support development.  CIL can be used to fund the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure but cannot be used to fund affordable housing and revenue schemes as these are still to be sought through scaled back S106 planning obligations.  The City CIL will not put the growth of the City at risk, whilst continuing to deliver capital funding to help deliver necessary infrastructure improvements.

We recommend the approval of a separately printed and circulated report which proposes that the City of London Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) be adopted and implemented, taking effect on 1 July 2014.

Read and agreed to.

(The Reverend Dr Martin Raymond Dudley)

10 January 2014

Housing Strategy

The City of London Housing Strategy for 2014–2019 is a high-level statement of the housing offer which the City is aiming to deliver for residents and tenants over the next five years through all forms of tenure. It meets the City’s legal obligations to draw up and publish a housing strategy for the locality and supports the City of London’s corporate and strategic aims and sets out policies and objectives, based on accurate and up-to-date evidence, which will improve the City Corporation’s housing stock and housing-related services for residents and tenants. Copies of the Strategy can be found in the Members’ Reading Room

It will be delivered through joint working between a number of the City Corporation departments together with external partners and we submit a separately printed and circulated report thereon which recommends the adoption of the Housing Strategy 2014-19. 

COMMUNITY AND CHILDREN’S SERVICES COMMITTEE

(The Reverend Dr Martin Raymond Dudley)

10 January 2014

Housing Strategy

The City of London Housing Strategy for 2014–2019 is a high-level statement of the housing offer which the City is aiming to deliver for residents and tenants over the next five years through all forms of tenure. It meets the City’s legal obligations to draw up and publish a housing strategy for the locality and supports the City of London’s corporate and strategic aims and sets out policies and objectives, based on accurate and up-to-date evidence, which will improve the City Corporation’s housing stock and housing-related services for residents and tenants. Copies of the Strategy can be found in the Members’ Reading Room

It will be delivered through joint working between a number of the City Corporation departments together with external partners and we submit a separately printed and circulated report thereon which recommends the adoption of the Housing Strategy 2014-19. 

Read and agreed.

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

31st January 2014

Co-opted Member Appointments (Standards Committee) - Composition of the Selection panel

Your Committee seeks approval to revise the composition of the Selection Panel for the purposes of short-listing and interviewing applicants for Co-opted Member roles on the Standards Committee.  The current composition which includes the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, the Chairman of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen and the Chief Commoner (or their representatives) was agreed by the Court of Common Council in 2000 when the new Standards Committee was established and when no Chairman or Deputy Chairman of the new Committee existed.  On the grounds that the Standards Committee’s arrangements are now firmly established and in view of revisions to the selection panel arrangements for other decision making bodies comprising of elected and Co-opted Members over recent years, including the Police and the Audit and Risk Management Committees, we therefore recommend that the Selection Panel (Co-opted Members of the Standards Committee) be revised to include  the Chairman of the Standards Committee, the Deputy Chairman of the Standards Committee, the Chief Commoner and the Chairman of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen (or their representatives).

STANDARDS COMMITTEE

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

31st January 2014

Co-opted Member Appointments (Standards Committee) - Composition of the Selection panel

Your Committee seeks approval to revise the composition of the Selection Panel for the purposes of short-listing and interviewing applicants for Co-opted Member roles on the Standards Committee.  The current composition which includes the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, the Chairman of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen and the Chief Commoner (or their representatives) was agreed by the Court of Common Council in 2000 when the new Standards Committee was established and when no Chairman or Deputy Chairman of the new Committee existed.  On the grounds that the Standards Committee’s arrangements are now firmly established and in view of revisions to the selection panel arrangements for other decision making bodies comprising of elected and Co-opted Members over recent years, including the Police and the Audit and Risk Management Committees, we therefore recommend that the Selection Panel (Co-opted Members of the Standards Committee) be revised to include  the Chairman of the Standards Committee, the Deputy Chairman of the Standards Committee, the Chief Commoner and the Chairman of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen (or their representatives).

Read and agreed to.

(The Revd. Dr. Martin Raymond Dudley)

2 April 2014

Since the City Corporation became responsible for promoting the wellbeing of all the people who live or work in the City of London a range of activities have been undertaken to promote their health and wellbeing. The purpose of this report is to provide the Court with an update on the events that have taken place over the past year and to advise on the priorities and objectives for the future and we submit a printed and circulated report thereon.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING BOARD

(The Reverend Dr. Martin Raymond Dudley)

2 April 2014

Since the City Corporation became responsible for promoting the wellbeing of all the people who live or work in the City of London a range of activities have been undertaken to promote their health and wellbeing. The purpose of this report is to provide the Court with an update on the events that have taken place over the past year and to advise on the priorities and objectives for the future and we submit a printed and circulated report thereon.

Received.

“That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items 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) reporting action taken under urgency procedures approving recommendations of the Property Investment Board concerning the purchase of freehold and long leasehold interests; and

(B) 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 on the ground that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12 A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

Summary of exempt items considered whilst the public were excluded

The Court: -

a)     Approved action taken under urgency procedures approving recommendations of the Property Investment Board on purchase of freehold and long leasehold interests: and

b)     Approved the recommendations of the Hospitality Working Party of the Policy & Resources Committee on a matter of hospitality.