Agenda and minutes

Venue: Guildhall

Contact: Gregory Moore 

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

Minutes:

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

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

2.

Declarations by Members under the Code of Conduct in respect of any items on the agenda

Minutes:

The Chief Commoner declared an interest in respect of Item 16 noting that he served on the Council of the Royal Philatelic Society.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

3.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 176 KB

To agree the minutes of the meeting of the Court of Common Council held on 18 October 2018.

 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 3.

Minutes:

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

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

4.

Vote of Thanks to Late Lord Mayor pdf icon PDF 56 KB

To pass the Vote of Thanks, read informally at the last meeting of the Court, to the late Lord Mayor.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 4.

Minutes:

Resolved unanimously  - that the Members of this Court take great pleasure in expressing to:

ALDERMAN CHARLES EDWARD BECK BOWMAN

 

their sincere thanks and appreciation for the distinguished manner in which he has served as Lord Mayor of the City of London during the past year.

 

Always enthusiastic and good-humoured, Charles has travelled extensively and visited more than 25 countries and six of the seven continents. From the Americas, Asia and Africa to the World Economic Forum at Davos, as Lord Mayor he has worked tirelessly as a passionate advocate on behalf of the UK’s financial and professional sectors.

 

Charles’ Mayoral theme, the Business of Trust, has sought to create better business trusted by society. The programme has been shared with influential stakeholders across the City and beyond. Through Charles’ initiative to create and improve the programme, he has ensured that this important and necessary work will continue to thrive in the future. Furthermore, thanks to his personal efforts, the relationship between the Mayoralty and Department of International Trade is closer than ever, with the Lord Mayor having a place on the Board of Trade.

 

During his time as Lord Mayor, Charles has hosted many special events to further economic diplomacy and promote London as a centre for business. The Commonwealth Business Forum was a particular success, at which Charles hosted one President and four Prime Ministers amongst others. It succeeded in strengthening further the developing bonds with the Commonwealth.

 

We on the Court also wish to pay tribute to Samantha, the Lady Mayoress, who had an equally busy and energetic programme. A myriad of activities including sponsored swims and karaoke, and the ever-present promise of sheep being introduced to Mansion House, ensured that the year went by like Greased Lightning. We express our gratitude for all her contributions.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.

Resolutions on Retirements, Congratulatory Resolutions, Memorials.

Minutes:

There were no resolutions.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

Mayoral Visits

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

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 6.

Minutes:

The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor reported on his recent visits to Cardiff and Bristol and noted the discussions which took place on fintech infrastructure finance, and the emergence of chip technology businesses in Newport, as well as the removal of tolls on the Severn Bridge.

 

The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor advised that he would soon be travelling to the USA, Canada and Mexico promoting fintech and green finance in particular.

 

The Right Honourable the  Lord Mayor finished his update by advising that he and the Chair of Policy and Resources would be continuing the Members Briefings on the international programme with the next meeting taking place at Mansion House on 4 February 2019.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.

Policy Statement

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

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 7.

Minutes:

There was no Policy Statement.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

Docquets for the Hospital Seal.

Minutes:

There were no docquets for the seal.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

The Freedom of the City pdf icon PDF 117 KB

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

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 9.

Minutes:

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:-

 

 

Richard John Carpenter 

a Teacher

Loughborough, Leicestershire

 

 

Kevin Joseph Milner

Citizen and Chartered Secretary & Administrator

 

 

 

Colin Anthony Hart

Citizen and Broderer

 

 

 

 

Dr Reza Shams Dilmaghani

a Principal Data Scientist

Barnet

 

 

Dr Amin Latif

Citizen and Poulter

 

 

 

Abdul Latif

Citizen and Poulter

 

 

 

 

Dr Oliver Damian Holland 

a Research Scientist

Islington

 

 

Dr Amin Latif

Citizen and Poulter

 

 

 

Abdul Latif

Citizen and Poulter

 

 

 

 

John Kenneth Brown 

a Solicitor, retired

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

 

 

Michael Richard Adkins

Citizen and Water Conservator

 

 

 

Stanley Brown, QGM, TD

Citizen and Loriner

 

 

 

 

Leslie John Ford 

an Accountant

Laleham, Staines-Upon Thames, Surrey

 

 

Robert Kerr Dobbie 

Citizen and Cutler

 

 

 

Nicholas John Burger

Citizen and Cutler

 

 

 

 

Graham Richard O'Geran 

a Global Business Development Director

Billericay, Essex

 

 

Christopher James Caine

Citizen and Maker of Playing Cards

 

 

 

Alan Robert Brumwell

Citizen and Plumber

 

 

 

 

Professor Antony Ajay Pall Narula 

a Consultant Surgeon

Wargrave, Berkshire

 

 

Michael Peter Cawston

Citizen and Tyler and Bricklayer

 

 

 

Augustus Philip Jude Machado

Citizen and Information Technologist

 

 

 

 

Veronique Helen Rapetti

a Learning & Partnership Programme Director

Wembley, Middlesex

 

 

Mark Anthony Grove

Citizen and Cook

 

 

 

Jean Deillon

Citizen and Distiller

 

 

 

 

Barbara Joan Hughes

an Industrial Relations Officer, retired

Prestbury, Cheshire

 

 

Ian Donald Winton Robertson

Citizen & Tallow Chandler

 

 

 

David John Hughes

Citizen and Engineer

 

 

 

 

 

Timothy Peter Glavin

a Master Carver, retired

Welling, Kent

 

 

Anthony William Parker

Citizen and Glass Seller

 

 

 

Brian John Rawles

Citizen and Glass Seller

 

 

 

 

Colonel Anthony William Heath

a Defence Trade & Investment Director

Chiswick

 

 

Peter Kenneth Estlin, Ald

Citizen and International Banker

 

 

 

William Anthony Bowater Russell, Ald.

 

Citizen and Haberdasher

 

 

 

David John Crane

a Travel & Event Company Director, retired

Petersfield, Hampshire

 

 

David Herbert

Citizen and Basketmaker

 

 

 

Stephen Barry Braund 

Citizen

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

Legislation pdf icon PDF 55 KB

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

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 10.

Minutes:

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:-

 

Statutory Instruments

Date in Force

 

The Geo-Blocking (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 S.I. No. 1153

The Regulations allow for enforcement action to be taken under the Enterprise Act 2002 where a trader takes part in the unjustified blocking of access to a website on the basis of a customer’s geographic location within the EU or where discriminatory terms of access are imposed on the basis of a customer’s nationality, place of residence or place of establishment. The Regulations apply to the Common Council in its capacity as a weights and measures authority.

 

3 December 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

Appointments

To consider the following appointments:

 

(A)         One Member on the Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee, for the balance of a term expiring in April 2019.

 

Nominations received:-

Karina Dostalova

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

Minutes:

The Court proceeded to consider appointments to the following Committees and outside bodies:-

 

(A)      One Member on the Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee, for the balance of a term expiring April 2019.

 

          Nominations received:-

          Karina Dostalova

 

          Read.

 

          Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Karina Dostalova to be appointed to the Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

12.

Questions

Minutes:

 

Cleaning of the exterior of Mansion House

Andrew McMurtrie asked a question of the Chairman of the Finance Committee concerning the cleaning of the exterior of Mansion House, and whether planters could be placed between the columns of the portico facing Bank Junction.

 

Responding, the Chairman of Finance advised that the project for the stonework cleaning of Mansion House had been agreed in principle by the relevant Committees, with work now being undertaken with key stakeholders to produce a fully phased programme of works. The Chairman noted the Scheme would also include an upgrade to the lighting of the exterior of the building, and the overall programme of works would be presented to the Corporate Assets Sub Committee and Projects Sub Committee in April 2019 for approval to proceed. Once the works were completed, consideration would then be given to installing planters on the portico.

 

The Sports Strategy

Karina Dostalova asked a question of the Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee with regards to the delay in producing the Sports Strategy requested by the Committee in 2017.

 

The Chair in response, confirmed that a paper on the City of London Corporation’s sports engagement would be considered by the Public Relations and Economic Development Sub Committee and the Policy and Resources Committee the following week. The report would cover the City of London Corporation’s existing engagement with sport as well as other strategic opportunities. The Chair explained that officers had considered how best to take a strategic approach before presenting the report to Committee and there would be no further delays. The Chair advised that the “Enhancing Sports Engagement” paper was available on the City of London Corporation’s website, and the work on the open spaces which provides sports facilities for thousands of Londoners, should be front and centre of

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

13.

Motions pdf icon PDF 63 KB

(A)         To consider a Motion submitted by Graeme Harrower, concerning the establishment of a Working Party.

 

(B)         To consider a Motion submitted by Graeme Harrower, concerning the establishment of a Working Party.

 

(C)          By Robert Allan Merrett, Deputy

“That the Resolution of Thanks to Timothy Russell Hailes, Alderman and Pewterer and Neil Graham Morgan Redcliffe, Citizen and Basketmaker, the late Sheriffs of the City, passed by Common Hall on 1 October last, be presented in a form agreeable to them?”

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 13.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(A)      The Town Clerk advised the Court that there were two sets of proposed amendments to Motion A, which were before Members, the first from Mr Harrower and the second from the Chair of Policy and Resources.

 

Mr Harrower sought leave of the Court to amend Motion A, which was seconded by Mr Bostock. A vote took place and the Motion was lost, the Town Clerk subsequently directed Members to the original Motion within the Court Summons.

 

Mr Harrower introduced the Motion to the Court, a Member raised a point of order that amendment had been rejected and therefore discussion should only focus on the original. Motion, as per the summons. Mr Harrower explained that the purpose of the Motion was for a working party to be formed which would consider how to resolve the issues with the dispensations policy and the Standards Committee; the working party would look to provide a resolution on when Members could speak and vote at Committee and would report back to the Court with their recommendations.

 

The Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee moved an amendment to the Motion which was before Members. Addressing the Court, the Chair explained that there was concern amongst Members and some residents as referenced by Mr Harrower, however a lengthy review of the Standards regime had only just taken place, the outcome of which was not yet fully implemented, the dispensations regime was still under review by the Standards Committee, and the proposed amendment to the Motion was a proportionate and balanced approach.

 

The Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee noted the difficult balancing act faced by the Standards Committee, in upholding the law and allowing Members to carry out their duties when representing their Wards, and the Court therefore requests the Committee adopt a position

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

14.

Awards and Prizes

Minutes:

There were none.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

15.

Policy and Resources Committee pdf icon PDF 87 KB

To consider a new Projects Procedure, delegate future amendments to the Projects Procedure to the Policy and Resources Committee; and approve an amendment to Standing Order No.50(3).

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 15.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Court considered a report of the Policy and Resources Committee which recommended the approval of a new Projects Procedures, the delegation of future amendments to the Procedure to the Policy and Resources Committee, and the amendment of Standing Order No. 50 (3).

 

Resolved – That:

·         the new Projects be approved;

·         future amendments to the Projects Procedure be delegated to the Policy and Resources Committee as the City Corporation’s approach to project management is further developed; and

·         an amendment to Standing Order No.50 (3) be approved.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

16.

Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee pdf icon PDF 66 KB

To consider recommendations concerning the provision of hospitality.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 16.

Minutes:

(a)      150th Anniversary of the Office of Parliamentary Counsel

The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel is responsible for drafting Government bills and for giving legal advice to Government on matters relating to parliamentary bills. The Office was founded in 1869.

 

It was proposed that, to mark the 150th anniversary, the City Corporation hosts a lecture given by First Parliamentary Counsel, Elizabeth Gardiner, followed by an early evening reception and small dinner. 

 

It was therefore recommended that hospitality be granted for a lecture, followed by an early evening reception and small dinner, to mark the 150th anniversary and that arrangements are made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; costs to be met within approved parameters.

 

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for a lecture, followed by an early evening reception and small dinner, to mark the 150th anniversary and that arrangements are made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; costs to be met within approved parameters.

 

(b)      Honourable Artillery Company Parade and Reception

The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), formed in 1537 under a charter granted by King Henry VIII, is Britain’s oldest regiment.  The HAC has always had a very close connection with the City Corporation and City of London, with it originally being formed of citizens of London, and until 1778 only Freemen of the City being eligible for membership.  The HAC regularly supports the City at a number of high-profile events including State Banquets, Remembrance Sunday and the Lord Mayor’s Show.

 

It was proposed that the City Corporation hosts a parade in Guildhall Yard followed by a reception in Guildhall during spring / summer 2019 to mark the Honourable Artillery Company’s service during the First World War. 

 

It was there recommended that hospitality be granted for an early evening

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

17.

Policy & Resources and Finance Committees pdf icon PDF 79 KB

To consider the creation of a Brexit Contingency Fund.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 17.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Court considered a report which recommended that a Brexit Contingency Fund of £2m be established in 2018/19 to support the organisation through this period, overseen by the Policy and Resources Committee. It is proposed that the fund is available in the current and following financial year covering the period of negotiation and transition to the new operating environment, with any unspent balance in 2018/19 carried forward into 2019/20.

Resolved – That a Brexit Contingency Fund of £2m in 2018/19 with provision to carry forward any unspent balance into 2019/20 be created.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

18.

Planning and Transportation Committee pdf icon PDF 92 KB

To consider the annual On-Street Parking Accounts for 2017/18 and related funding of Highway Improvements and Schemes.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 18.

Minutes:

The Court received a report advising of action taken in respect of any deficit or surplus in its On-Street Parking Account for 201718, the information should subsequently be reported to the Mayor of London.

 

The report advised informed Members that:

 

·         the surplus arising from on-street parking activities in 2017/18 was £14.523m;

·         a total of £4.664m, was applied in 2017/18 to fund approved projects; and

·         the surplus remaining on the On-Street Parking Reserve at 31st March 2018 was £29.980m, which will be wholly allocated towards the funding of various highway improvements and other projects over the medium term.

 

Resolved – That the report be noted and its submission to the Mayor of London be approved.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

19.

Planning and Transportation Committee pdf icon PDF 63 KB

To consider the progression of the Blackfriars Bridge refurbishment and repair of the parapets to Gateway 5.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 19.

Minutes:

The Court considered a report of the Planning and Transportation Committee which recommended approval be given to a programme of works from Gateway 4b to Gateway 5.

 

Gateway 3/4 approval had been provided for a full refurbishment of Blackfriars Bridge with repair and replacement of the cast iron features as required; working around the current access restrictions. The project would significantly improve the aesthetics of the structure and protect its fabric. It would also repair the parapets to prevent future water ingress and protect the structure.

 

Since Project Proposal (Gateway 2), estimated costs have increased by £3,570,000 owing to better understanding of the full implications of the access restrictions, particularly because of the Tideway Tunnel works site. The estimated total cost of the project was now £8,570,000 and the Court’s approval to proceed at Gateway 4b was therefore sought.

 

If the project was not progressed, the appearance of the bridge would further deteriorate and ultimately, the lifespan of the structure would be significantly reduced.  The City would also be seen to be failing to meet its obligations under the Blackfriars Bridge Act 1863 and the Corporation of London (Bridges) Act 1911 to maintain and repair the bridge.

 

The next step would be to progress the project to Gateway 5 (expected October 2019).

 

Resolved – That progression of the programme of works from Gateway 4b to Gateway 5 be approved.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

20.

Epping Forest and Commons Committee pdf icon PDF 68 KB

To endorse the appointment of an Epping Forest Verderer (South).

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 20.

Minutes:

The Court considered a report which recommended the appointment of Nicholas Munday as Epping Forest Verderer (South) and to note the proposal that future Verderer appointments are put to it for information only.

 

The Epping Forest and Commons Committee is made up of 12 Common Councilmen and 4 Verderers of Epping Forest, as specified by the Epping Forest Act (1878).

 

Following the untimely death in service of Peter Adams MBE, who served as a Verderer of Epping Forest since January 1997 until 6 April 2018, and in accordance with the Epping Forest Act (1878), the Epping Forest and Commons Committee appointed a working party to recruit to this position. Following completion of the recruitment process, the Epping Forest and Commons Committee unanimously recommend that Nicholas Munday be appointed as Epping Forest Verderer (South).

 

Resolved – That the Court endorse the appointment of Nicholas Munday as Epping Forest Verderer (South) and note the proposal that future Verderer appointments are put to it for information only.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

21.

Licensing Committee pdf icon PDF 77 KB

To consider the draft Statement of Licensing Principles, The Gambling Local Area Profile, and the Guidance on Undertaking Local Gambling Risk Assessments.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 21.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Court considered a report of the Licensing Committee which recommended agreement of the draft Statement of Licensing Principles; The Gambling Local Area Profile; and the Guidance on Undertaking Local Gambling Risk Assessments.

 

The Gambling Act 2005 requires all licensing authorities to produce and publish a Statement of Licensing Principles (‘policy’). The City Corporation produced its first such statement, as prescribed by the statutory timetable, at the time the Act came into force in January 2007.

 

The legislation requires that all authorities review their policy at least every three years.  This policy was last reviewed in January 2016 and therefore is required to be reviewed by January 2019.

 

The City Corporation has now completed its work on producing a Local Area Profile in order that licensees can fully assess the local risk to the licensing objectives posed by their gambling operations.

 

The updated Policy and the two documents ‘Local Area Profile’ and the ‘Guidance on Undertaking Risk Assessments’ formed the basis of the proposals which went out to consultation.

 

Resolved – That the draft Statement of Licensing Principles; The Gambling Local Area Profile; and the Guidance on Undertaking Local Gambling Risk Assessments be agreed.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

22.

Community and Children's Services Committee pdf icon PDF 61 KB

To receive a report of action taken under urgency procedures relating to the Middlesex Street Estate and York Way Estate Communal Heating and Hot Water system.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 22.

Minutes:

The Court received a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures to allow the Middlesex Street Estate and York Way Estate Communal Heating and Hot Water system replacement projects to proceed, being managed as two separate projects at an estimated cost of £5.2m.

 

In July 2018, the Projects Sub-Committee and the Community and Children’s Services Committee approved a combined Gateway 3/4 project report relating to the replacement of the heating, hot water and ventilation facilities at both the York Way and Middlesex Street Estates.

 

Due to the project value being above £5m, it had been originally planned that the project would proceed down the ‘complex’ route, as per the project procedure. However, given the expected scope of the works at both Estates and their non-proximity to each other, officers proposed that separating the works into two discrete projects would be the best way to expedite activity. The Projects Sub-Committee was supportive of this approach.

 

However, since that time it became apparent that it may be possible and desirable to award both projects to the same contractor. This would allow for economies of scale and thereby afford the opportunity to seek percentage reductions in tenders. Given the possibility that the two projects (whilst managed separately) could be delivered by the same contractor as part of a single overall contract, it was therefore prudent and appropriate to seek the approval of the Court.

 

Approval was therefore granted to allow the Middlesex Street Estate and York Way Estate Communal Heating and Hot Water system replacement projects to proceed, being managed as two separate projects at an estimated cost of £5.2m.

 

It having become apparent that Court approval was required approval was sought and obtained under urgency procedures pursuant to Standing Order No.19 to allow for the tender exercises to be completed and

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

23.

Establishment Committee pdf icon PDF 59 KB

To receive a report of action taken under urgency procedures relating to the new post of a Grade J Chief Operating and Financial Officer, City of London Police.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 23.

Minutes:

The Court received a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures concerning approval given for the creation of a new post of a Grade J Chief Operating and Financial Officer, City of London Police.

 

Resolved – That the action taken under urgency procedures be noted.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

24.

By the Chief Commoner

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.

 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 24.

Minutes:

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:-

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

25.

Non-Public Minutes

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting of the Court held on 18 October 2018.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 25.

Minutes:

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

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

26.

Finance Committee

To consider a request for additional resources for 2018/19.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 26.

Minutes:

Finance Committee

The Court considered a request to increase the City Surveyor’s local risk budget.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

27.

Finance Committee

To consider the award of a contract for housing repairs, maintenance and voids.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 27.

Minutes:

Finance Committee

The Court considered a request for the award of a contract for housing repairs, maintenance and voids.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.