Agenda and minutes

The apologies of those Members unable to attend this meeting of the Court were noted.

No declarations were made.

To agree the minutes of the meeting of the Court of Common Council held on 14 January 2016.

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

There were no resolutions.

The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor to report on his recent overseas visits.

The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor reported on his recent overseas visits to the Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Angola, Mauritius, and Zambia.

There were no documents to be sealed.

To consider a circulated list of applications for the Freedom of the City.

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 receive a report setting out measures introduced into Parliament which may have an effect on the services provided by the City Corporation.

The Court received a report 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.)

The Town Clerk to report the outcome of a ballot taken at the last Court:

One Member to the Board of Governors of the City of London School, for the balance of a term expiring June 2017.

¬ denotes appointed.

The Town Clerk reported the results of ballots taken at the last Court as follows:-

Board of Governors of the City of London School (one vacancy for the balance of a term expiring in April 2017).

                                                                                Votes

Keith David Forbes Bottomley          56

The Revd. Dr Martin Raymond Dudley                           27

Michael Hudson                                                                10

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Keith Bottomley to be appointed to the Board of Governors of the City of London School.

To consider the following appointments:

a)    Three Members on the Guild Church of St Lawrence Jewry, for one year terms expiring in March 2017.

* denotes a Member standing for re-appointment

Nominations received:-

*Roger Arthur Holden Chadwick, Deputy

*Simon D’Olier Duckworth, O.B.E., D.L.

*Gregory Percy Jones, Q.C.

b)    Four Members on Christ’s Hospital, for four year terms expiring in January 2020.

Nominations received:-

Nicholas Michael Bensted-Smith, J.P.

c)    One Member on the Thames Festival Trust, for a three year term expiring in March 2019.

* denotes a Member standing for re-appointment

Nominations received:-

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

John George Stewart Scott, J.P.

The Court proceeded to consider appointments to the Guild Church of St Lawrence Jewry, Christ’s Hospital and the Thames Festival Trust.

a)    Guild Church of St Lawrence Jewry (three vacancies for one year terms expiring in March 2017).

* denotes a Member standing for re-appointment

Nominations received:-

*Roger Arthur Holden Chadwick, Deputy

*Simon D’Olier Duckworth, O.B.E., D.L.

*Gregory Percy Jones, Q.C.

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Deputy Roger Chadwick, Simon Duckworth and Gregory Jones to be appointed to the Guild Church of St Lawrence Jewry.

b)    Christ’s Hospital (four vacancies for four year terms expiring in January 2020).

Nominations received:-

Nicholas Michael Bensted-Smith, J.P.

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Nicholas Bensted-Smith to be appointed to Christ’s Hospital.

c)            Thames Festival Trust (one vacancy for a three year term expiring in March 2019).

* denotes a Member standing for re-appointment

Nominations received:-

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

John George Stewart Scott, J.P.

Read.

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

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.

(A)To appoint four Common Councilmen to The Honourable The Irish Society, for three year terms expiring in March 2019:

* denotes a Member standing for re-appointment

Nominations received:-

*Douglas Barrow, Deputy

*Roger Arthur Holden Chadwick. Deputy

*Simon D’Olier Duckworth, O.B.E., D.L.

*James Henry George Pollard, Deputy

Jeremy Lewis Simons

(B)To appoint a Governor for the year ensuing.

(A) The Court proceeded to appoint four Common Councilmen on the Honourable The Irish Society for terms of three years.

*denotes a Member standing for re-appointment

Nominations received:-

*Douglas Barrow, Deputy

*Roger Arthur Holden Chadwick, Deputy.

*Simon D’Olier Duckworth, O.B.E., D.L

*James Henry George Pollard, Deputy

Jeremy Lewis Simons

Read.

The Court agreed a request from Jeremy Simons to withdraw his nomination.

       Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Deputy Doug Barrow, Deputy Roger Chadwick, Simon Duckworth and Deputy Henry Pollard to be appointed to The Honourable The Irish Society.

(B)  The Court proceeded to endorse the Court of Aldermen’s nomination for the Governor of The Honourable The Irish Society.

Resolved – That Sir David Hugh Wootton, Alderman and Fletcher, be appointed as Governor of the Honourable the Irish Society for the ensuing year, it being noted that the Deputy Governor would be appointed by the Court of the Irish Society.

Rough Sleeping

Patrick Streeter asked a question of the Chairman of the Community & Children’s Services Committee concerning rough sleeping in the City and the possible steps that might be taken to address the issue.

In response, the Chairman stressed the importance of distinguishing between rough sleeping and begging and set out the work that the Community & Children’s Services department was doing to address rough sleeping. He made reference to the significant collaboration with the City of London Police, homelessness charities, City churches and other City Corporation departments to tackle the issue.

Sir John Cass Foundation School

William Campbell-Taylor sought and obtained the leave of the Court to defer his question, to be asked of the Chairman of the Community & Children’s Services Committee.

Bus Stop Relocation: Blackfriars Bridge

Wendy Mead asked a question of the Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee concerning the proposed relocation of a bus stop as part of the cycle superhighway plans.

The Chairman set out the rationale behind Transport for London’s (TfL) decision, noting the anticipated negative impact on road users were the bus stop to instead be relocated to the north end of Blackfriars Bridge. Responding to a supplementary question from Wendy Mead regarding the consultation process and the decision to relocate a bus stop in Tower Ward in the face of similar objections, the Chairman clarified that the proposals had been subject to TfL consultation in November 2014 and that no objections had been received; further, the proposals had only been approved on a trial basis to allow for their efficacy to be ascertained. He also added that the relocation of a bus stop in Tower Ward had not yet been formally agreed as it was contingent upon additional financial resources which had not yet been identified.

In reply to a

There were no motions.

To receive a report of the Chairman of the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee.

Local Authority Awards

ReportoftheChairmanofthe PortHealth and Environmental Services Committee.

 “I am delighted to announce that the City of London Corporation received Gold in the Small Local Authority category and the Overall Winner award at the Chartered Institution of Waste Management Clean Britain Awards 2015. The Clean Britain Awards recognise the work of local authority street scene teams in keeping our public places and spaces clean and safe, for everyone to enjoy. The Gold Award for Small Local Authority and the Overall Winner Award are both the highest levels achievable and demonstrate the City Corporation’s ability to provide service innovation and deliver new campaigns, initiatives, and prevention measures.

I am also delighted to announce that in February 2016 the City of London Corporation was named Local Authority of the Year by Keep Britain Tidy. This award rewards the City Corporation’s excellence and innovation in improving local environmental quality and enables us to share our good practices with other Keep Britain Tidy Network members.

I commendthisachievementtotheCourt.”

Resolved – That the report be received.

To consider reports of the Policy and Resources Committee, as follows:

POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

(Mark Boleat)

(A) European Union Referendum

(to follow)

25 February 2016

(A) European Union Referendum

Following the conclusion of HM Government’s negotiations on reforms to the UK’s membership of the European Union (EU), it was announced that a referendum on whether the UK should remain in the EU will take place on Thursday 23 June 2016. Voters would be asked to decide on the following question: "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?"

Given the importance of this matter to City stakeholders, including residents and businesses, a special meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee was convened on 25 February 2016 to consider whether the City Corporation should   adopt a position on the UK’s membership of the EU and, if so, what that position should be. Taking into account the City Corporation’s role in representing the interests of its stakeholders, and after giving the matter very careful and detailed consideration, it was agreed that the City Corporation should adopt an official position on the vote.

During discussion at the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee, different views had been expressed on the question of the City Corporation’s position on the matter, including that of neutrality. It was, however, the view of the majority of Members of the Committee that, acknowledging the breath of opinion in the City and taking into account the views expressed by stakeholders, support should be given to the UK remaining in the EU.

It was therefore recommended to the Court of Common Council that approval be given to the City Corporation adopting a position on the UK’s membership of the EU in the following terms:-

“Taking into account the views of City stakeholders and businesses, the City of London Corporation supports the United Kingdom remaining a member of the European Union.”

The Chairman introduced

(B)Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee – proposing the creation of a new Committee.

21 January 2016

(B) Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee

In light of the impact of national developments on the way local authorities exercise their health overview and scrutiny function, the Policy and Resources Committee had considered the health and social care scrutiny functions of the City Corporation’s Health & Social Care Scrutiny Sub-Committee’s and the associated governance implications. This followed a review over seen by the Sub-Committee itself. The review highlighted the need to scrutinise not just the social care provided by external organisations but by the Corporation itself and organisations it has commissioned.

As a result of this the Policy and Resources Committee agreed in principle to set up a new stand-alone Committee with the combined responsibility for scrutiny of health and social care and to dissolve the existing Sub-Committee. The Court was therefore recommended to approve the creation of a Health & Social Care Scrutiny Committee with terms of reference and constitution as set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

Resolved - That a new Health & Social Care Scrutiny Committee be established with terms of reference and constitution as attached at Appendix 1 to the report and that Standing Order 29 (3) be amended to enable the Chairman of the Committee to also be the Chairman of another Committee at the same time.

(C) Report of Urgent Action Taken: London Councils Grants Scheme 2016/17 Levy – to receive a report of urgent action taken in approving the 2016/17 Levy.

2 February 2016

(C) Report of Urgent Action Taken: London Councils Grants Scheme 2016/17 Levy

The budget for the London Councils Grants Scheme (LCGS) and the City of London Corporation’s contribution to the Scheme is considered on an annual basis by the Policy and Resources Committee. The City of London Corporation is also responsible for issuing the annual levies for contributions to all the constituent councils of the LCGS. This element of the Grants Scheme can only be considered and approved by the Court of Common Council if at least two-thirds of the constituent councils (i.e. 22 out of 33 of the London local authorities) have approved the total expenditure to be incurred under the Scheme.

Having received confirmation from London Councils that the budget and contributions had been agreed by over two thirds of the Constituent Councils, the approval of the Court was sought under the urgency procedures to allow the levies to be issued before the statutory deadline of 15 February 2016. 

The Court of Common Council was therefore recommended to note that on 2 February 2016 approval was given, in accordance with Standing Order No. 19, to issue the levies.

Resolved – That the report be received.

To consider reports of the Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee, as follows:

HOSPITALITY WORKING PARTY OF THE POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

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

(A) Applications for the Use of Guildhall – to note the prior approval of the listed applications for the use of Guildhall.

28January 2016

 (A) ApplicationsfortheUseof Guildhall

In accordance with the arrangements approved by the Court on 21 June 2001 for the approval of applications for the use of Guildhall, the Court was informed of the following applications which had been agreed to:-

Resolved – That the several applications be noted.

(B) Applications for Hospitality – to consider two recommendations concerning the provision of hospitality.

28January 2016

(B) Applications for Hospitality

(i)    Armed Forces Flag Day 2016

The annual Armed Forces Flag Day forms part of a week of activities across the country to raise public awareness of the contribution made by the Armed Forces. The day was established to provide an opportunity to show support for members of the Armed Forces and Service families. To mark this occasion, and in line with previous years, it was proposed that the City Corporation host a flag-raising ceremony in Guildhall Yard during the afternoon of Friday 24th June, followed by light refreshments in the Old Library.

It was recommended that hospitality be granted for a Flag Raising Ceremony and Reception at Guildhall and that the arrangements be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

This was to be a Full Court event.

Resolved – That hospitality be granted and that the arrangements be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved cost parameters.

(ii)   Reception to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s 90^th Birthday

In June a National Service of Thanksgiving will take place at St Paul’s Cathedral to celebrate the Queen’s 90^th Birthday. The City Corporation had been invited to host a reception at the Guildhall following the service.

It was recommended that hospitality be granted for a reception at Guildhall and that the arrangements be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

This was to be a Full Court event.

Resolved – That hospitality be granted and that the arrangements be made under the auspices of the Hospitality

To consider reports of the Finance Committee, as follows:

FINANCE COMMITTEE

(Roger Arthur Holden Chadwick, Deputy)

(A) City Fund 2016/17 Budget Reports and Medium Term Financial Strategy including Non Domestic Rates and Council Taxes – to approve the budget for 2016/17 including a 0.1p in the £ increase in the Business Rates Premium and an unchanged Council Tax and pass a resolution to that effect, as set out at Appendix F.

16 February 2016

(A) City Fund 2016/17 Budget Reports and Medium Term Financial Strategy including Non-Domestic Rates and Council Taxes

The Court proceeded to consider a report of the Finance Committee presenting the overall financial position of the City Fund (i.e. the Corporation’s finances relating to Local Government, Police and Port Health services) recommending that:

·         the Business Rates Premium be increased by 0.1p to 0.5p in the £ from April 2016 with the additional income, estimated at £1.6m a year, being allocated to the City of London Police to cover recently identified costs pressures relating to security; and

·         the Council Tax for 2016/17 remains unchanged from 2015/16.

Amendment – That this Court agrees to make provision in the budget for £240,000 which will provide for the reinstatement of the public conveniences in Bishopsgate and near Smithfield.

Upon the Question being put, the Lord Mayor declared the amendment not to be carried.

The original Motion being before the Court, it was:

Resolved – That that the report be agreed to and that the Court do pass a Resolution in the following terms:-

1.      That for the 2016/17 financial year the Court of Common Council approves:

·           the Premium multiplier on the Non-Domestic Rate and Small Business Rate multipliers be set at 0.005 (an increase of 0.001 on the present multiplier) to enable the City to continue to support the City of London Police, security and contingency planning activity within the Square Mile at an enhanced level;

·           an unchanged Council Tax of £857.31 for a Band D property (excluding the GLA precept);

·           the overall financial framework and the revised Medium Term Financial Strategy for the City Fund; and

·           the City Fund Net Budget Requirement of £107m.

Council Tax

2.      It be noted that in 2012 the Finance Committee delegated the calculation of the

(B) Revenue and Capital Budgets 2015/16 and 2016/17 – to receive the latest revenue budgets for 2015/16 and approve the revenue budgets for 2016/17 and the capital budgets.

16 February 2016

(B) Revenue and Capital Budgets 2015/16 and 2016/17

The Court was presented with a report which summarised the revenue and capital budgets  for each of the City’s three main funds,  City Fund, City’s Cash and Bridge House Estates together with the budgets for central support services within Guildhall Administration (which initially ‘holds’ such costs before these are wholly apportioned).  The report accompanied the Summary Budget Book which includes all the City’s budgets at a summary level in a single document and was available in the Members’ Reading Room and on the City Corporation’s website.

The Court was recommended to approve the revenue  and  capital  budgets  for  City’s  Cash,  Bridge  House  Estates  and Guildhall Administration for the financial year 2016/17 (the budgets for City Fund having already been considered under part A above).

Resolved - That:-

·         the latest revenue budgets for 2015/16 be noted;

·         the 2016/17 revenue budgets be approved;

·         the capital budgets be approved; and 

·         authority be delegated to the Chamberlain to determine the financing of the capital budgets.

Further resolved - That the thanks of the Court be given to the Chairman of the Finance Committee for his introduction to the budget reports before the Court this day and that a copy be circulated to every Member in the usual way.

To consider a report concerning the annual increases to be applied in respect of services provided at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre. 

PORT HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

(Wendy Mead, O.B.E.)

Animal Reception Centre – Heathrow Airport: Annual Review of Charges

It is necessary to submit periodic recommendations to the Court for an increase to be applied to the Schedule of Charges in respect of services provided at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC), for the forthcoming financial year.

The Byelaws, incorporating a new schedule of charges for the services provided, were set out in Appendix A to the report and the Committee recommended approval thereof; the Comptroller and City Solicitor being instructed to seal the Byelaws accordingly.

Amendment – That, owing to an error in the report, the report be withdrawn and re-submitted for consideration in due course.

Upon the Question being put, the Lord Mayor declared the amendment to be carried.

The Motion as amended being before the Court, it was:

Resolved – That the report be withdrawn.

To consider the proposed draft Pay Policy Statement for 2016/17.

ESTABLISHMENT COMMITTEE

(The Revd. Stephen Decatur Haines, Deputy)

4February 2016

Draft Pay Policy Statement 2016/17

The Localism Act 2011 requires the City of London Corporation to prepare and publish a Pay Policy Statement setting out its approach to pay for the most senior and junior members of staff. This must be agreed each year by the full Court of Common Council.

The pay policy statement for 2016/17, having been considered and approved by the Establishment Committee on 4 February 2016 and Policy and Resources Committee on 18 February 2016, was therefore presented to the Court of Common Council with the recommendation that it be approved.

Resolved – That the draft Pay Policy Statement for 2016/17 as set out in the Appendix to the report be approved.

“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:”

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:-

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting of the Court held on 14 January 2016.

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

To consider a report concerning the procurement of energy.

Finance Committee

The Court approved recommendations of the Finance Committee concerning the procurement of energy.

To consider a report concerning a property transcaction.

Property Investment Board

The Court approved recommendations of the Property Investment Board concerning a property transaction intended to facilitate development in the Leadenhall area.

To consider a Gateway 4b project report relative to the City of London Primary Academy project.

Education Board

The Court approved recommendations of the Education Board concerning the progression of a project associated with the City of London Primary Academy Southwark to Gateway 4c.