Agenda and minutes

Keith David Forbes Bottomley, lately elected to be of the Common Council for the Ward of Bridge and Bridge Without, was introduced to the Court and having previously made the declaration prescribed by the Promissory Oaths Act, 1868, took his seat.

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

There were no resolutions.

There was no report.

There was no 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 two 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.)

a) One Member on the Members’ Privileges Sub Committee of the Policy and Resources Committee, for the balance of a term expiring in April 2017.

Nominations received:-

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

Ann Marjorie Francescia Pembroke

b) One Member on the Board of Governors of the City of London School for Girls, for a four year term expiring in July 2019.

Nominations received:-

Randall Keith Anderson

c) One Member on the Establishment Committee, for the balance of a term expiring in April 2018.

Nominations received:-

Randall Keith Anderson

d) Two Members on the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee, for four year terms expiring in April 2019.

Nominations received:-

Dennis Cotgrove

N.B. – One vacancy remains.

The Court proceeded to consider appointments to the Members’ Privileges Sub Committee of the Policy and Resources Committee, the Board of Governors of the City of London Girls School, the Establishment Committee, and the Hampstead Heath Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee.

a)Members’ Privileges Sub Committee of the Policy and Resources Committee (one vacancy for the balance of a term expiring in April 2017).

Nominations received:-

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

Ann Marjorie Francescia Pembroke

Read.

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

The Lord Mayor appointed the Chief Commoner and the Chairman of the Finance Committee, or their representatives, to be the 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

b) Board of Governors of the City of London School for Girls (one vacancy for a four year term expiring in July 2019).

Nominations received:-

Randall Keith Anderson

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Randall Anderson to be appointed to the Board of Governors of the City of London School for Girls.

c) One Member on the Establishment Committee, for the balance of a term expiring in April 2018.

Nominations received:-

Randall Keith Anderson

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Randall Anderson to be appointed to the Establishment Committee.

d) Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee (two vacancies, one for a four year term expiring in April 2019 and one for the balance of a term expiring in April 2016).

Nominations received:-

Dennis Cotgrove

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Dennis Cotgrove to be appointed to the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee.

Road Safety – Bank Junction

Deputy Richard Regan asked a question of the Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee concerning the safety of road users, particularly at Bank Junction.

In response, the Chairman agreed to report back in six months’ time as to the steps being taken to improve road safety throughout the City, including at Bank Junction. He also provided a brief summary of the current position in respect of Bank Junction.

Responding to a supplementary question from Deputy Regan, the Chairman agreed to pursue a pan-London approach to achieve improvements, working with bodies such as Transport for London. In addition, the City Corporation would also redouble its efforts in improving and increasing the efficacy of its Road Danger Reduction Plan.

Following a question from Brian Mooney, the Chairman advised that the possibility of a “shared space” approach would be explored as part of the options being looked at for the redevelopment of Bank Junction.

Impact of the 20mph Speed Limit

Hugh Morrisasked a question of the Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee seeking clarityas to the impact of the introduction of the twenty miles per hour speed limit in the City.

In response, the Chairman expressed his regret that the number of casualties had continued to increase since the reduction in the speed limit. He noted that the speed limit was only one part of the City’s Road Danger Reduction Plan and reiterated the need for the City to look again at this Plan to expedite improvement. He also took the opportunity to clarify that no effect on air quality had been anticipated as likely to result from the speed limit change.

Replying to a supplementary question from Hugh Morris the Chairman agreed that consideration would, as part of the review process, be given

a)            By Robert Allan Merrett, Deputy 

“That Graeme George Harrower be appointed on the Culture, Heritage and Libraries, Planning and Transportation, and Port Health and Environmental Services Committees for the Ward of Bassishaw, in the room of Deputy Robert Merrett?”

b)            By Kevin Malcom Everett, Deputy 

“That James De Sausmarez be appointed on the Finance, Planning and Transportation, Markets and Community and Children’s Services Committees for the Ward of Candlewick, in the room of Deputy Kevin Everett?”

c)            By Brian Nicholas Harris, Deputy 

“That Keith Bottomley be appointed on the Port Health and Environmental Services and the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committees for the Ward of Bridge and Bridge Without, in the room of Deputy Brian Harris?”

a)  Motion - “That Graeme George Harrower be appointed on the Culture, Heritage and Libraries, Planning and Transportation, and Port Health and Environmental Services Committees for the Ward of Bassishaw, in the room of Deputy Robert Merrett?”

Resolved - That the Motion be agreed.

b)  Motion - “That James De Sausmarez be appointed on the Finance, Planning and Transportation, Markets and Community and Children’s Services Committees for the Ward of Candlewick, in the room of Deputy Kevin Everett?”

Resolved - That the Motion be agreed.

c)  Motion - “That Keith David Forbes Bottomley be appointed on the Port Health and Environmental Services and the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committees for the Ward of Bridge and Bridge Without, in the room of Deputy Brian Harris?”

Resolved - That the Motion be agreed.

There was no report.

(Mark John Boleat)

23 June 2015

City of London Corporation Prevent Strategy 2015/16

The Government’s Counter Terrorism and Security Act, published in 2015, places a duty on local authorities (along with various other public bodies) to “have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.” This duty applies to the Common Council in the exercise of its functions as a local authority and as a police authority.

The City of London Prevent Strategy 2015/16 has been developed in response to this requirement and sets out how the City Corporation will fulfil this new duty. This is presented as a separately printed and circulated report and we recommend its adoption.

(Mark John Boleat)

23 June 2015

City of London Corporation Prevent Strategy 2015/16

The Government’s Counter Terrorism and Security Act, published in 2015, places a duty on local authorities (along with various other public bodies) to “have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.” This duty applies to the Common Council in the exercise of its functions as a local authority and as a police authority.

The City of London Prevent Strategy 2015/16 has been developed in response to this requirement and sets out how the City Corporation will fulfil this new duty. This is presented as a separately printed and circulated report and we recommend its adoption.

Read and agreed.

POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

(Mark John Boleat)

23 June 2015

THE CITY BRIDGE TRUST COMMITTEE

(Jeremy Paul Mayhew)

13 May 2015

Bridge House Estates Revenue Surplus

Owing to careful stewardship of Bridge House Estates’ charitable assets, surplus income is forecast over the next three years. Your Policy and Resources Committee and City Bridge Trust Committee have considered proposals for an additional allocation from this surplus income to the City Bridge Trust over the next three years; at least £3,000,000 this financial year; at least £4,000,000 next financial year; and at least £5,000,000 in financial year 2017-18 inclusive.

The Court’s approval is now sought regarding the allocation of the additional £3,000,000 for this year only, together with £265,000 for the associated costs of management, administration and financial support. The allocation for the remaining years will be dealt with in the usual manner as part of the City Corporation’s resource allocation process. It is proposed that this should be spent for the benefit of the most disadvantaged Londoners.

A separately printed and circulated report outlining the proposals has been submitted for your consideration and we recommend its approval accordingly.

POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

(Mark John Boleat)

23 June 2015

THE CITY BRIDGE TRUST COMMITTEE

(Jeremy Paul Mayhew)

13 May 2015

Bridge House Estates Revenue Surplus

Owing to careful stewardship of Bridge House Estates’ charitable assets, surplus income is forecast over the next three years. Your Policy and Resources Committee and City Bridge Trust Committee have considered proposals for an additional allocation from this surplus income to the City Bridge Trust over the next three years; at least £3,000,000 this financial year; at least £4,000,000 next financial year; and at least £5,000,000 in financial year 2017-18 inclusive.

The Court’s approval is now sought regarding the allocation of the additional £3,000,000 for this year only, together with £265,000 for the associated costs of management, administration and financial support. The allocation for the remaining years will be dealt with in the usual manner as part of the City Corporation’s resource allocation process. It is proposed that this should be spent for the benefit of the most disadvantaged Londoners.

A separately printed and circulated report outlining the proposals has been submitted for your consideration and we recommend its approval accordingly.

Read and agreed.

(Deputy Billy Dove, O.B.E., J.P., Chief Commoner)

(Deputy Billy Dove, O.B.E., J.P., Chief Commoner)

17 June 2015

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:-

17 June 2015

(A) 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:-

Read.

17 June 2015

(B) Application for Hospitality: Women of the Future Summit

It is proposed that the City of London Corporation host an early evening reception at Guildhall on Monday 26October 2015 preceding the fourth annual Women of the Future Summit.

This event would provide an opportunity for the City to promote the benefits of diversity. The Summit is a forum for women who are, or are aspiring to be, business leaders. It is anticipated that the guest list will include delegates attending the Summit, key sponsors, Women of the Future ‘Ambassadors’, international Chevening scholars, City business representatives and City School and Academy representatives.

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

This would be a Committee event.

17 June 2015

(B) Application for Hospitality: Women of the Future Summit

It is proposed that the City of London Corporation host an early evening reception at Guildhall on Monday 26October 2015 preceding the fourth annual Women of the Future Summit.

This event would provide an opportunity for the City to promote the benefits of diversity. The Summit is a forum for women who are, or are aspiring to be, business leaders. It is anticipated that the guest list will include delegates attending the Summit, key sponsors, Women of the Future ‘Ambassadors’, international Chevening scholars, City business representatives and City School and Academy representatives.

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

This would be a Committee event.

Read and agreed.

(James Henry George Pollard, Deputy)

20 May 2015

The City of London Annual Report of the Commissioner of Police

We submit for the information of the Court, the Annual Report of the Commissioner of the City Police for 2014/2015 which has been separately printed and circulated.

POLICE COMMITTEE

(James Henry George Pollard, Deputy)

20 May 2015

The City of London Annual Report of the Commissioner of Police

We submit for the information of the Court, the Annual Report of the Commissioner of the City Police for 2014/2015 which has been separately printed and circulated.

The Deputy Chairman, Deputy Douglas Barrow, introduced the item and responded to a number of queries. In doing so, he clarified that a small number of typographical errors existed in the version of the report circulated to Honourable Members and that these would be corrected in the final version. He also explained the reason for the fall in the number of camera-detected traffic offences and reassured Members that they would be provided with an update as to the future of the Force’s mounted branch when the position was known.

Read.

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

15 May 2015

Members’ Declarations - Co-opted Members

At a recent meeting, your Standards Committee reviewed the arrangements for the registration of interests in respect of Co-opted Members of City of London Corporation Committees.

A separately printed and circulated report setting out a proposal in respect of the adoption and implementation of a consistent approach to the management and publication of a register of interests for both the City Corporation’s Members and Co-opted Members has therefore been submitted for your information; it is recommended that you note the proposals set out accordingly.

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

15 May 2015

Members’ Declarations - Co-opted Members

At a recent meeting, your Standards Committee reviewed the arrangements for the registration of interests in respect of Co-opted Members of City of London Corporation Committees.

A separately printed and circulated report setting out a proposal in respect of the adoption and implementation of a consistent approach to the management and publication of a register of interests for both the City Corporation’s Members and Co-opted Members has therefore been submitted for your information; it is recommended that you note the proposals set out accordingly.

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

A) recommendations of the Property Investment Board proposing the acquisition of the leasehold to a site; and

B) recommendations of the Property Investment Board proposing the refurbishment of a property?”

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, or which fall under paragraph 100A(2) of the Local Government Act 1972 relating to confidential information that would be disclosed in breach of an obligation of confidence by a department of Her Majesty’s Government:-

Summary of exempt items considered whilst the public were excluded:-

The Court:-

A)     approved recommendations of the Property Investment Board proposing the acquisition of the leasehold to a site;

B)     approved recommendations of the Property Investment Board proposing the refurbishment of a property; and

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