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 15 September 2016.

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

To read the draft terms of a Vote of Thanks to the Lord Mayor.

Alastair Moss, Deputy of the Ward of Cheap, 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.

The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor to lay before the Court a letter of the Lord Mayor Elect declaring his assent to take upon himself that Office.

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 to report on his recent overseas visits.

The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor reported on his recent overseas visits to China and Hong Kong, as well as to a number of domestic regional centres including Bristol, Durham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and York.

To elect a Chief Commoner for 2017/18.

One nomination has been received in accordance with Standing Order No. 18, namely that of Wendy Mead, O.B.E.

The Court proceeded to elect a Chief Commoner for 2017/18. 

One valid nomination had been received in accordance with Standing Order No. 18, namely, that of Wendy Mead, O.B.E.

Resolved – that Wendy Mead, O.B.E.be declared to be elected to the office of Chief Commoner for 2017/18.

To receive a statement from the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee.

The Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee delivered a statement on the outcome of the recent referendum on membership of the European Union and, in particular the City Corporation’s role in ensuring the best possible outcome for the City, London and the United Kingdom upon withdrawal from the European Union.

Whilst thanking the Chairman for the update provided, a Member expressed concern that insufficient time had been made available for Honourable Members to properly scrutinise and review the information provided, in particular the findings of certain pieces of research which had been referenced in the Statement and circulated to the Court electronically. He observed that there was a duty upon all Members to ensure that adequate scrutiny was provided to such items if they were to provide the rationale for the City Corporation’s future activities, consequently suggesting that a formal debate should be held at the next meeting of the Court on the City’s approach to Brexit. The Chairman agreed that such a debate would be helpful and the Town Clerk confirmed that a report would be presented to the next meeting, thereby providing the opportunity for a full debate.

Responding to a question concerning the opportunities presented by Brexit, the Chairman said that the City Corporation was vigorously pursuing new opportunities to attract business to the city. These did not arise as a result of Brexit but were now even more necessary. He added that there were now some steps that might be taken which could also present opportunities, including tax changes to help the growing technology sector and changes to visa policies to attract the best talent from across the world. The repeal of some regulatory legislation above the EU minima which had previously inhibited businesses could also be considered, with the Chairman making reference to a

Sundry documents were sealed with the Hospital Seal.

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:-

To consider the following appointments:

(A)   One Member on the Board of Governors of the Museum of London, for a three year term expiring in October 2019.

* denotes a Member standing for reappointment

Nominations received:

* Alison Jane Gowman, Alderman

Ann Marjorie Francescia Pembroke

(B)   Two Members on Bridewell Royal Hospital, for six year terms expiring in October 2022.

* denotes a Member standing for reappointment

Nominations received:

* Ian Christopher Norman Seaton

The Court proceeded to consider appointments to the Board of Governors of the Museum of London and Bridewell Royal Hospital.

(A)      Board of Governors of the Museum of London (one vacancy for a term expiring in October 2019).

* denotes a Member standing for re-appointment

Nominations received:-

          *Alison Jane Gowman, Alderman

          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)      Bridewell Royal Hospital (two vacancies for terms expiring October 2022).

* denotes a Member standing for re-appointment

          Nominations received:-

          *Ian Christopher Norman Seaton

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Ian Seaton to be appointed to Bridewell Royal Hospital.

Housing

Deputy James Thomson asked a question of the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee seeking an update in respect of the City Corporation’s commitment to help ease the housing shortage in London.

In reply, the Chairman advised that plans were in place to build 700 new homes on the City’s existing housing estates, with a further 3000 planned on land belonging to the City Corporation. He expressed confidence that the target would be achieved by the 2025 deadline and thanked the Chairman of the Community and Children’s Services Committee for that Committee’s hard work in respect of the 700 homes being built on the City’s estates.

In response to a supplementary question from Patrick Streeter concerning the availability of a specific site for development, the Chairman reminded Honourable Members of the response which had been provided at a previous meeting and reiterated the position.

Ludgate Circus

Emma Edhem asked a question of the Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee concerning traffic flow at Ludgate Circus.

The Chairman reassured Members that officers were pressing Transport for London to undertake stricter enforcement with regard to the yellow box at the junction and agreed to update the Member once further information was received from TfL. Similarly the potential to re-phase traffic lights was also currently being explored with TfL; however, he was advised that it was unfortunately not possible for a right-turn from Upper Thames Street on to Southwark Bridge to be permitted as one possible option to alleviate traffic, due to a combination of safety concerns and the likely impact on congestion across the wider network.

The Chairman added that a report exploring potential options for tackling traffic congestion across the City would also be coming forward to the November Policy and Resources and Planning and Transportation Committee meetings.

There were no motions.

There was no report.

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

(Michael Welbank, M.B.E., Chief Commoner)

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

For Information

14 September 2016

(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, 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 one recommendation concerning the provision of hospitality.

For Decision

14 September 2016

(B) Application for Hospitality: Reception to mark the 950th anniversary of the King William Charter

In 1067, William the Conqueror granted a Charter to the City guaranteeing the collective rights of its inhabitants. This Charter holds great historical importance for the City as it recognises the rights, privileges and laws that the City had enjoyed prior to the Conquest; it is also the oldest document in the City’s Archive.

To mark the 950th anniversary of the grant of the Charter, the London Metropolitan Archives would be putting it on display in the Heritage Gallery from January to March 2017. This would be the first time in its history it would have gone on display and, to coincide with this, it was proposed that the City Corporation host a panel discussion followed by a reception. The panel discussion would consist of three academics each presenting a brief lecture on the subject of the Charter and London at the time of the Norman Conquest, to be followed by a short question and answer session.

It was therefore recommended that hospitality be granted in the form of a panel discussion and reception  to mark the 950th anniversary of the King William Charter and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

This would be a Committee event.

Resolved - that hospitality in the form of a panel discussion and reception be granted  to mark the 950th anniversary of the King William Charter, with arrangements be made under the auspices of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee and the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

To consider reports of the Finance Committee, as follows:

FINANCE COMMITTEE

(Jeremy Paul Mayhew)

(A)   Efficiency Plan – to consider a report outlining a proposed Efficiency Plan for the period through to 2019/20.

For Decision

20 September 2016

(A) Publication of an Efficiency and Sustainability Plan

At its 3 March 2016 meeting, the Court of Common Council had agreed that an efficiency plan should be published. Subsequently, during July of that year, the Efficiency and Performance Sub-Committee, Finance Committee and Resource Allocation Sub-Committee were all consulted on a proposed efficiency framework and draft Efficiency and Sustainability Plan. A final proposed version of the Efficiency Plan was then considered and approved by the Finance Committee on 20 September 2016 the Policy and Resources Committee on 6 October 2016.

The Plan was intended to be a high-level document which focused on the existing Service Based Review programme and other agreed transformation initiatives, along with the framework being developed for continuous efficiency improvement for 2017/18 and later years. In addition to this Plan, further internal plans for driving forward efficiency initiatives would be developed, with implementation overseen and monitored by the Finance Committee.

Publication of the Efficiency and Sustainability Plan, set out at Appendix 1 to the report, was required by 14October 2016 and the Court was recommended to approve the Plan and its publication accordingly.

Resolved – That the Efficiency and Sustainability Plan set out be approved and published accordingly.

(B)   City Fund Financial Statements – to receive the City Fund Financial Statement for 2015/16.

For Information

26 September 2016

(B) City Fund and Pension Funds - 2015/16 Statement of Accounts and Annual Audit Letter

On 23 May 1996, the Court authorised the Finance Committee to approve, amongst other things, the Statement of Accounts for the City Fund and Pension Funds.  The Finance Committee had duly considered and approved the 2015/16 City Fund and Pension Funds Statement of Accounts.

The annual audit letter from BDO LLP on its audit of the funds had been circulated for the information of the Court. In addition, the Statement of Accounts and management letters had been published on the City’s website.

It was accordingly recommended that the Court receive the 2015/16 City Fund and Pensions Fund Statement of Accounts.

Resolved – That the 2015/16 City Fund and Pensions Fund Statement of Accounts be received.

To consider a report of the Social Investment Board providing an update on its activities and progress over the past year.

SOCIAL INVESTMENT BOARD

(Peter Lionel Raleigh Hewitt, Alderman)

27 September 2016

2016 Progress Report

The Court considered a report outlining the progress on the work of its Social Investment Fund, detailing the investment portfolio to date and the geographic spread of investments.

It was also recommended that Social Investment Fund be permitted to combine its UK and London ring-fences until October 2019, after which a further progress report would be made.

Resolved – That approval be given to permit the Social Investment Fund to combine its UK and London ring-fences until October 2019.

That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 2 and 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 15 September 2016.

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

To consider the award of a contract relative to the procurement of advertising services.

Finance Committee

The Court approved the award of one contract associated with the provision of recruitment advertising services and one contract concerned with public notice advertising.

To consider a report concerning proposed repairs to the Poultry Market.

Markets Committee

The Court received a report providing an update in respect of the Poultry Market and a programme of maintenance and repairs.

To consider a report concerning the Police Accommodation Strategy.

Police Committee

The Court approved a report which provided an update on the Police Accommodation Strategy and sought permission to progress the project to Gateway 5 of the Project Procedure.

To consider a report advising of a change to the designations of the leadership team within the Chamberlain’s department.

Establishment Committee

The Court received a report setting out changes to the Chamberlain’s Senior Leadership Team.