Agenda and minutes

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

Stanley Keith Knowles, Deputy of the Ward of Candlewick, read the draft of a vote of thanks to the Right Honourable The Lord Mayor, which was intended to be formally Moved at the next meeting of the Court.

The Lord Mayor was heard in reply.

A letter of the Lord Mayor Elect, declaring his assent to take upon himself the Office of Lord Mayor, was received.

There were no resolutions.

The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor reported on her recent overseas visits to Kazakhstan, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Latvia, China and Vietnam.

One nomination has been received in accordance with Standing Order No. 18, namely, that of William Harry Dove, O.B.E., J.P., Deputy.

(N.B. A notice of the nominees is on display in the Members’ Reading Room) 

There was no policy statement.

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:-

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

The Remembrancer reported on measures introduced by Parliament which might

have an effect on the services provided by the City Corporation as follows:-.

(The text of the measures and the explanatory notes may be obtained from the

Remembrancer’s office.)

Read and received.

The Town Clerk reported the appointment of Mr Mark Greenburgh and Mr Dan Large as Co-opted Members of the Standards Committee.

a) Christ’s Hospital (one vacancy for the balance of a term to expire in January 2017)

Alastair John Naisbitt King, MSc, Deputy

b) Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (one vacancy for a three year term expiring September 2017)

Nominations received:-

Alastair John Naisbitt King, MSc, Deputy

Emma Charlotte Louisa Price

The Court proceeded to consider appointments to Christ’s Hospital and the Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

a) Christ’s Hospital (one Member for the balance of a term to expire in January 2017)

Alastair John Naisbitt King, MSc, Deputy

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Deputy Alastair King to be appointed to Christ’s Hospital for the term to expire in January 2017.

b) Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (one Member for a three year term to expire in September 2017)

Nominations received:-

Alastair John Naisbitt King, MSc, Deputy

Emma Charlotte Louisa Price

Read.

The Court agreed a request from Deputy Alastair King to withdraw his nomination.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Emma Price to be appointed on the Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust for a term to expire in September 2017.

The Reverend William Campbell-Taylor asked a question of the Chairman of the

Mayoral Visits and Advisory Committee concerning the Lord Mayor’s recent visit to Kenya and the promotion of Nairobi as a financial centre. In reply, the Chairman confirmed that the promotion of Nairobi as a financial centre had not been one of the aims of the visit.

In response to a supplementary question from The Reverend William Campbell Taylor relative to risk assessments made prior to visits, the Chairman advised that all visits were made on the advice and at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office following a broad range of consultation and analysis.

Deputy Robert Howard asked a question of the Chairman of the Policy & Resources Committee concerning the impact of major construction projects and street works in the City. In reply, the Chairman confirmed that more must be done to tackle the issue and that the Planning and Transportation Committee would be considering a report on the matter at its November meeting.

There were no motions.

Open Spaces Awards

Report of the Chairman of the Open Spaces & City Gardens Committee, and West Ham Park Committee.

“I am delighted to announce that the City Corporation’s Open Spaces have again received several prestigious Green Flag and London in Bloom Awards.

The Green Flag Award is the national standard for parks and green spaces and aims to recognise and reward the best green spaces in the country. All sites must be freely accessible to the public and perform well against eight criteria, including safety and security, cleanliness, management and sustainability. This year the following Open Spaces retained the Award: Ashtead Common, Bunhill Fields, Burnham Beeches, Coulsdon Common, Epping Forest, Farthing Downs and New Hill, Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, Kenley Common, Queen's Park, Riddlesdown, Spring Park, West Ham Park, West Wickham Common and the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium.

Green Heritage Site accreditation, which is sponsored by English Heritage, is awarded in recognition of achieving the required standard in the management and interpretation of a site with local or national historic importance. The following Open Spaces retained their Green Heritage Site accreditation this year to acknowledge the heritage value of the sites: Ashtead Common, Bunhill Fields, Burnham Beeches, Epping Forest, Farthing Downs and New Hill, Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, Kenley Common, Queen's Park, West Ham Park and the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium. In addition, Riddlesdown was awarded Green Heritage accreditation for the first time this year, meaning that the City Corporation now holds 15 Green Flag and 12 Green Heritage Awards. 

The City Corporation’s Open Spaces were also successful at the London In Bloom Awards, held on the 8 September 2014. The City achieved eight gold awards and one silver gilt award, and was awarded category winner in the small park, large park and

Open Spaces Awards

Report of the Chairman of the Open Spaces & City Gardens Committee, and West Ham Park Committee.

“I am delighted to announce that the City Corporation’s Open Spaces have again received several prestigious Green Flag and London in Bloom Awards.

The Green Flag Award is the national standard for parks and green spaces and aims to recognise and reward the best green spaces in the country. All sites must be freely accessible to the public and perform well against eight criteria, including safety and security, cleanliness, management and sustainability. This year the following Open Spaces retained the Award: Ashtead Common, Bunhill Fields, Burnham Beeches, Coulsdon Common, Epping Forest, Farthing Downs and New Hill, Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, Kenley Common, Queen's Park, Riddlesdown, Spring Park, West Ham Park, West Wickham Common and the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium.

Green Heritage Site accreditation, which is sponsored by English Heritage, is awarded in recognition of achieving the required standard in the management and interpretation of a site with local or national historic importance. The following Open Spaces retained their Green Heritage Site accreditation this year to acknowledge the heritage value of the sites: Ashtead Common, Bunhill Fields, Burnham Beeches, Epping Forest, Farthing Downs and New Hill, Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, Kenley Common, Queen's Park, West Ham Park and the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium. In addition, Riddlesdown was awarded Green Heritage accreditation for the first time this year, meaning that the City Corporation now holds 15 Green Flag and 12 Green Heritage Awards. 

The City Corporation’s Open Spaces were also successful at the London In Bloom Awards, held on the 8 September 2014. The City achieved eight gold awards and one silver gilt award, and was awarded category winner in the small park, large park and

(Mark John Boleat)

2 October  2014

Cheapside Business Improvement District

At its meeting on 12^th June 2014 the Court of Common Council approved the creation of a Business Improvement District (BID) for the Cheapside area and agreed that the Cheapside Initiative (CI) should act as the delivery agent by managing the BID process.

We have considered and approved the CI’s formal proposals for progressing the BID to the consultation stage in advance of undertaking a BID Ballot in March 2015. It is now proposed that the City Corporation act as the BID Proposer and as the BID Body for the initiative and that the functions associated with this be delegated to this Committee. The detailed operational aspects of the initiative would be the subject of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the City Corporation and the BID Board made up of local representatives.

A printed and circulated report is now submitted for your consideration and we commend its recommendations to you.

(Mark John Boleat)

2 October  2014

Cheapside Business Improvement District

At its meeting on 12^th June 2014 the Court of Common Council approved the creation of a Business Improvement District (BID) for the Cheapside area and agreed that the Cheapside Initiative (CI) should act as the delivery agent by managing the BID process.

We have considered and approved the CI’s formal proposals for progressing the BID to the consultation stage in advance of undertaking a BID Ballot in March 2015. It is now proposed that the City Corporation act as the BID Proposer and as the BID Body for the initiative and that the functions associated with this be delegated to this Committee. The detailed operational aspects of the initiative would be the subject of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the City Corporation and the BID Board made up of local representatives.

A printed and circulated report is now submitted for your consideration and we commend its recommendations to you.

Read and agreed to.

(Deputy John Bennett, Chief Commoner)

18 September 2014

(B) Global Law Summit

It is proposed that the City of London Corporation hosts a reception on 24^th February 2015 as part of the programme for delegates attending the Global Law Summit in London.

The Global Law Summit is an international legal conference taking place from 23^rd - 25^th February 2015 at the QEII Conference Centre. The Summit, celebrating 800 years of Magna Carta and the rule of law, is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates, speakers and guests from across the world and will serve to promote London and the UK as a global centre for legal services. Speakers will include chairmen and general counsel from leading British and international companies, members of the senior judiciary and representatives from the Bar and major law firms. It will be the first such conference to take place in London.

We recommend that hospitality be granted in the form of a reception and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; the cost to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved cost parameters.

This would be a Full Court event.

It is proposed that the City of London Corporation hosts a reception on 24^th February 2015 as part of the programme for delegates attending the Global Law Summit in London.

The Global Law Summit is an international legal conference taking place from 23^rd - 25^th February 2015 at the QEII Conference Centre. The Summit, celebrating 800 years of Magna Carta and the rule of law, is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates, speakers and guests from across the world and will serve to promote London and the UK as a global centre for legal services. Speakers will include chairmen and general counsel from leading British and international companies, members of the senior judiciary and representatives from the Bar and major law firms. It will be the first such conference to take place in London.

We recommend that hospitality be granted in the form of a reception and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; the cost to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved cost parameters.

This would be a Full Court event.

Read and agreed to.

  2 September 2014

(C)       Prime Minister of France – report of action taken under urgency procedures

We report action taken as a matter of urgency, pursuant to Standing Order No.19, in approving arrangements for the Prime Minister of France, Mr Manuel Valls, to deliver a speech on France’s economic policy and reform programme on 6^th October 2014.

The City enjoys strong working relationships with France, with the City of London Corporation and Paris Europlace jointly sponsoring the Anglo-French Committee, which brings together senior industry representatives to discuss issues of mutual interest.

With the event due to take place in advance of the October meeting of the Court of Common Council, the Court’s approval was sought and obtained for the event in accordance with urgency procedures. We hereby report the action taken.

This was a Committee event.

We report action taken as a matter of urgency, pursuant to Standing Order No.19, in approving arrangements for the Prime Minister of France, Mr Manuel Valls, to deliver a speech on France’s economic policy and reform programme on 6^th October 2014.

The City enjoys strong working relationships with France, with the City of London Corporation and Paris Europlace jointly sponsoring the Anglo-French Committee, which brings together senior industry representatives to discuss issues of mutual interest.

With the event due to take place in advance of the October meeting of the Court of Common Council, the Court’s approval was sought and obtained for the event in accordance with urgency procedures.We hereby report the action taken.

This was a Committee event.

In response to a question concerning the attendance of Honourable Members at such events, the Chief Commoner confirmed that every effort would be made to ensure that similar events were, wherever possible, full Court occasions. He reminded the Court that Members who had declared relevant interests and areas of expertise were invited to Committee events where appropriate and encouraged Members to update their submissions to the Remembrancer accordingly, in order that he might ensure they were considered for invitations.

Read and received.

15 September 2014

(D)       Prime Minister of Italy – report of action taken under urgency procedures

We report action taken as a matter of urgency, pursuant to Standing Order No.19, in approving arrangements for the Prime Minister of Italy, Mr Matteo Renzi, to deliver a speech on Italy’s economic policy on 2^nd October 2014.

Italy is a major UK trading partner, with the Italian economy the world’s 8^th largest and the 3^rd largest in the Eurozone. All the major Italian banks have London representation, focusing on trade finance and commercial banking and Italian insurers are active in the London wholesale markets. The country also currently holds the EU Presidency, making the visit of particular interest to the City.

With the event due to take place in advance of the October meeting of the Court of Common Council, the Court’s approval was sought and obtained for the event in accordance with urgency procedures. We hereby report the action taken.

This was a Committee event.

We report action taken as a matter of urgency, pursuant to Standing Order No.19, in approving arrangements for the Prime Minister of Italy, Mr Matteo Renzi, to deliver a speech on Italy’s economic policy on 2^nd October 2014.

Italy is a major UK trading partner, with the Italian economy the world’s 8^th largest and the 3^rd largest in the Eurozone. All the major Italian banks have London representation, focusing on trade finance and commercial banking and Italian insurers are active in the London wholesale markets. The country also currently holds the EU Presidency, making the visit of particular interest to the City.

With the event due to take place in advance of the October meeting of the Court of Common Council, the Court’s approval was sought and obtained for the event in accordance with urgency procedures. We hereby report the action taken.

This was a Committee event.

Read and received.

On the 23^rd May 1996, the Court authorised this Committee to approve, amongst other things, the Statement of Accounts for the City Fund and Pension Funds.  We have duly considered and approved the 2013/14 City Fund and Pension Funds Statement of Accounts.  Copies of the Statement have been placed in the Members’ Reading Room and are available from the Chamberlain.  The management letters from Deloitte LLP on its audit of the funds are attached for the information of the Court. In addition, the Statement and letters have been published on the City’s website.

On the 23^rd May 1996, the Court authorised this Committee to approve, amongst other things, the Annual Reports and Financial Statements for Bridge House Estates and the Charitable Trusts. We have duly considered and approved the Annual Reports and Financial Statements for the year ending 31 March 2014. Copies of the Annual Reports and Financial Statements have been placed in the Members’ Reading Room and are available from the Chamberlain. The management letter from Moore Stephens LLP on its audit of the funds is attached for the information of the Court.  In addition, for Bridge House Estates, the Annual Report and Financial Statements and the management letter have been published on the City’s website.

(B) Annual Reports and Financial Statements for Bridge House Estates and Sundry Trusts 2013/14

On the 23^rd May 1996, the Court authorised this Committee to approve, amongst other things, the Annual Reports and Financial Statements for Bridge House Estates and the Charitable Trusts. We have duly considered and approved the Annual Reports and Financial Statements for the year ending 31 March 2014. Copies of the Annual Reports and Financial Statements have been placed in the Members’ Reading Room and are available from the Chamberlain. The management letter from Moore Stephens LLP on its audit of the funds is attached for the information of the Court.  In addition, for Bridge House Estates, the Annual Report and Financial Statements and the management letter have been published on the City’s website.

Read and received.

(Jeremy Paul Mayhew)

25 September 2014

Review of City Bridge Trust’s Priorities and Policies

Following the launch of the Investing in Londoners programmes in September 2013, this paper sets out proposals to make some minor amendments to the policy which guides the application of Bridge House Estates surplus income in order to strengthen and improve the work of the City Bridge Trust (under which the Investing in Londoners programmes are delivered). It is also recommended that changes be made to the procedures which support the delivery of the funding priorities set out in that policy to enable more efficient administration and a more effective application of the charity’s resources.

A printed and circulated report is now submitted for your consideration and we commend its recommendations to you

Read and agreed to.

(Jeremy Paul Mayhew)

25 September 2014

Prince’s Trust Strategic Grant

This paper proposes releasing an additional £1.05m per year from the Bridge House Estates surplus income for a period of 10 years (over and above the Investing in Londoners grants programmes budget, or their successor) to provide a long-term strategic grant to the Prince’s Trust Charity (£1m per year) with associated grant management costs to the City Bridge Trust (£50,000 per year). The purpose of the proposed strategic grant is to build upon the Prince’s Trust’s excellent work with some of London’s hardest to reach young people: it will provide the Prince’s Trust with a financial commitment that will allow it to increase its programmes targeted at Londoners, and part-finance one of its centres in Tower Hamlets. 

A printed and circulated report is now submitted for your consideration and we commend its recommendations to you.

25 September 2014

(B) Prince’s Trust Strategic Grant

This paper proposes releasing an additional £1.05m per year from the Bridge House Estates surplus income for a period of 10 years (over and above the Investing in Londoners grants programmes budget, or their successor) to provide a long-term strategic grant to the Prince’s Trust Charity (£1m per year) with associated grant management costs to the City Bridge Trust (£50,000 per year). The purpose of the proposed strategic grant is to build upon the Prince’s Trust’s excellent work with some of London’s hardest to reach young people: it will provide the Prince’s Trust with a financial commitment that will allow it to increase its programmes targeted at Londoners, and part-finance one of its centres in Tower Hamlets. 

A printed and circulated report is now submitted for your consideration and we commend its recommendations to you.

Following an introduction by the Chairman, he responded to a question from The Reverend William Campbell Taylor clarifying the scope of the grant and confirming it would cover activities across multiple London Boroughs. The Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee also spoke in support of the proposals.

Read and agreed to.

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

Amendments to the Members’ Code of Conduct – Disclosable Interests and the Mandatory Registration of Gifts and Hospitality

In accordance with our terms of reference, the Standards Committee is required to prepare, keep under review and monitor the City of London Corporation’s Members’ Code of Conduct and make recommendations to the Court of Common Council in respect of the adoption or revision, as appropriate, of such Code of Conduct.

This was considered initially by the Court on 24^th July 2014 and Members felt that some further work should be undertaken and the matter brought back to the Court for consideration. In reaching its decision about a revised Members’ Code of Conduct, this Committee has consulted widely with all Members of the Court of Common Council; taken into account the previous Standards regime, whereby Members were expected to register a more substantial list of membership bodies; and reflected on practice across local authorities.

A printed and circulated report has therefore been submitted for your consideration and we commend its recommendations to revise the Members’ Code of Conduct and to introduce a mandatory registration regime for gifts and hospitality, as of 1^st January 2015.

6 October 2014

Amendments to the Members’ Code of Conduct – Disclosable Interests and the Mandatory Registration of Gifts and Hospitality

In accordance with our terms of reference, the Standards Committee is required to prepare, keep under review and monitor the City of London Corporation’s Members’ Code of Conduct and make recommendations to the Court of Common Council in respect of the adoption or revision, as appropriate, of such Code of Conduct.

This was considered initially by the Court on 24^th July 2014 and Members felt that some further work should be undertaken and the matter brought back to the Court for consideration. In reaching its decision about a revised Members’ Code of Conduct, this Committee has consulted widely with all Members of the Court of Common Council; taken into account the previous Standards regime, whereby Members were expected to register a more substantial list of membership bodies; and reflected on practice across local authorities.

A printed and circulated report has therefore been submitted for your consideration and we commend its recommendations to revise the Members’ Code of Conduct and to introduce a mandatory registration regime for gifts and hospitality, as of 1^st January 2015.

Read.

Following an introduction from the Chairman, a number of amendments were proposed:

Motion – To delete paragraph 7(e) of the report, thereby changing paragraph 7(f) to 7(e), and inserting the words “except political parties” in parentheses at the end of this new paragraph 7(e), so that revised paragraph 7 read:

7.    In any event you are required to disclose your membership of any:

(a) Management board or similar organ of any charity or body directed to a charitable purpose (e.g. a trustee or director) but excluding any charity or other such body administered by the Corporation

(b) Club or Society active in

“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:-

action taken under urgency procedures approving recommendations of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee on the Hampstead Heath Ponds Project?”

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: -

action taken under urgency procedures approving recommendations of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee on the Hampstead Heath Ponds Project.

The meeting commenced at 1pm and ended at 2.05pm.

BARRADELL.

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