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.

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2.

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

Minutes:

There were none.

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3.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 177 KB

To agree the minutes of the meeting of the Court of Common Council held on 17 May 2018.

 

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Minutes:

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

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4.

Resolutions on Retirements, Congratulatory Resolutions, Memorials.

Minutes:

Resolved – That the sincere congratulations of this Court be offered to –                                                                                                              

Dhruv Patel, O.B.E

 

on his recent appointment by Her Majesty The Queen as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition of his services to the British Hindu community and to Social Cohesion.

 

Resolved – That the sincere congratulations of this Court be offered to –                                                                                                              

Thomas Dieter Dirk Hoffman, M.B.E., Deputy

 

On his recent appointment by Her Majesty The Queen as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, for services to Secondary and Tertiary Education and the Arts in London.

 

Resolved – That the sincere congratulations of this Court be offered to –                                                                                                                          

Vivienne Littlechild, M.B.E., J.P.

 

On her recent appointment by Her Majesty The Queen as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, for services to Culture and Heritage in the City of London.

 

Resolved – That the sincere congratulations of this Court be offered to the several officers recognised by Her Majesty The Queen    in the Birthday Honour’s List, viz.:

·      Ruth Duston, who worked with the City Surveyor’s department as Director of the Cheapside Retail Initiative, and Anne Bamford, our Strategic Education & Skills Director, on their recent appointment as Officers of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire;

·      Matthew Ring, a Resident Estate Officer, and Jane Ewing, Office Manager at the City of London Academy Galleywall, on their recent award of the British Empire Medal;

And Assistant Commissioner Alistair Sutherland and Superintendent Helen Isaac, both of the City of London Police, on their recent award of the Queen’s Policing Medal.

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

5.

Mayoral Visits

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

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

Minutes:

The Lord Mayor reported on his recent visits to Brazil, Chile, Peru, the United States of America, Canada, Singapore, Indonesia, and Norway.

 

He also took the opportunity to express the Court’s gratitude and best wishes to two long-serving Members of staff, Simon Murrells and Stephen Bragg, for their contributions over the past several decades.

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

6.

Policy Statement

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

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Minutes:

There was no statement.

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7.

Docquets for the Hospital Seal.

Minutes:

There were no docquets to be sealed.

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

8.

The Freedom of the City pdf icon PDF 60 KB

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

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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:-

 

Tej Rohit Samani

an Education Company Chief Executive Officer

Hatfield, Hertfordshire

Lord Robert George Alexander Lingfield, Kt., DL

Citizen and Goldsmith

 

Nigel Anthony Chimmo Branson, JP

 

Citizen and Haberdasher

 

Ian Robertson 

a Learning and Development Consultant

Edinburgh, Scotland

Ian Wilson Tough

Citizen and World Trader

 

Stanley Brown, QGM, TD

 

Citizen and Loriner

 

Vivienne Jane Margaret Robertson 

a Local Government Officer

Edinburgh, Scotland

Ian Wilson Tough

Citizen and World Trader

 

Stanley Brown, QGM, TD

 

Citizen and Loriner

 

Dr Roger David Dalrymple 

a University Lecturer

Oxford, Oxfordshire

Neville John Watson

Citizen and Fletcher

 

Peter Francis Clark

 

Citizen and Mason

 

Richard O'Dell Poulden 

a Gold Company Chairman

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Michael Raymond Mainelli, Ald.

Citizen and World Trader

 

Robert Cripps McDowall

 

Citizen and Tin Plate Worker

 

Sheila Marie  Dixon

a Publican

City of London

Vincent Dignam

Citizen and Carmen

 

Christopher Michael Hayward, CC

 

Citizen and Pattenmaker

 

Jack Barker 

a Charity Volunteer

Croydon, Surrey

Alan Roy Willis

Citizen and Baker

 

Patrick John Marsland-Roberts, TD

 

Citizen and Carman

 

Caoimhe Gallagher 

a Physiotherapist

Tooting, London

Vincent Dignam

Citizen and Carman

 

Christopher Michael Hayward, CC

 

Citizen and Pattenmaker

 


Martyn Ian Hollyman, JP

a Financial Consultant, retired

Urchfont, Wiltshire

Michael Richard Adkins

Citizen and Water Conservator

 

David William Walker 

Citizen and Poulter

 

 

Lauren Emily Lunniss

an Assistant Programme Director

Wainscott, Kent

David Crowley

Citizen and Basketmaker

 

Robert John Eveleigh

Citizen and Solicitor

 

 


David Vinod Khanna

a Facilities Management Company Director

Clapham, London

Keith David Forbes Bottomley, Deputy

Citizen and Wheelwright

 

William Barrie Fraser, OBE

 

Citizen and Gardener

 

Anthony Mark Jones 

a Systems Information Technology Manager

Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire

Alan Roy Willis

Citizen and Baker

 

Brian Peter

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

9.

Legislation pdf icon PDF 62 KB

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

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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:-

 

Bills

 

Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill

The Bill proposes an amendment to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to give local authorities the power to impose charges on the promoter or organiser of a sporting, social, or entertainment event in connection with an Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order. Additional proposals include allowing local authorities to refer individuals who are believed to be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism to a multi-agency support panel and a creation of a duty for the members of a panel to co-operate with a local authority carrying out their functions.

 

Statutory Instruments

Date in Force

The Sea Fishing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018 S.I. No. 643

The Regulations amend the Sea Fishing (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing) Order 2009 S.I. No. 3391 to extend offence provisions to third countries identified by the European Union as non-cooperating under EU regulations concerning illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The Regulations apply to the Common Council in its capacity as a local authority and in its capacity as a port health authority.

 

The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Mandatory Conditions of Licences) (England) Regulations 2018 S.I. No. 616

The Regulations introduce new mandatory conditions to be included in a licence, including a minimum bedroom size and a requirement to specify the number of persons occupying a room for the purpose of sleeping accommodation. Additional provision is made to require licence holders to comply with any local authority scheme for the storage and disposal of waste at the premises. The Regulations apply to the Common Council in its capacity as a local housing authority. 

18th June 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st October 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(The text of

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10.

Ballot Results

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

Where appropriate:-

^ Denotes a Member who currently serves on the Committee in either an ex-officio capacity or as a representative of another Committee with appointment rights;

¬ denotes appointed.

 

Two Members to the Investment Committee.

 

 

Votes

Christopher Paul Boden

18

John Douglas Chapman

21

^Tom Hoffman, Deputy

31

^Peter Lionel Raleigh Hewitt, Alderman

40¬

Michael Hudson

20

^Andrien Gereith Dominic Meyers

49¬

 

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

Minutes:

The Town Clerk reported the result of the ballot taken at the last Court, as follows:-

 

Two Members to the Investment Committee.

denotes appointed.

 

Votes

Christopher Paul Boden

18

John Douglas Chapman

21

Tom Hoffman, Deputy

31

Peter Lionel Raleigh Hewitt, Alderman

40

Michael Hudson

20

Andrien Gereith Dominic Meyers

49

 

 

Read.

 

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Alderman Peter Hewitt and Andrien Meyers to be appointed to the Investment Committee.

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

11.

Appointments

To consider the following appointments:

 

(A)         One Member on the Finance Committee, for the balance of a term expiring in April 2019.

 

            Nominations received:-

            James Richard Tumbridge

 

(B)         Two Members on the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park Committee, for the balance of terms expiring in April 2019.

 

Nominations received:-

Prem Goyal, O.B.E., J.P., Alderman

Gregory Percy Jones, Q.C., Alderman

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

Minutes:

The Court proceeded to consider appointments to the following Committees:

 

(A)         One Member on the Finance Committee, for the balance of a term expiring in April 2019.

 

Nominations received:-

James Richard Tumbridge

 

            Read.

 

            Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared James Tumbridge to be appointed to the Finance Committee.

 

(B)         Two Members on the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park Committee, for the balance of terms expiring in April 2019.

 

Nominations received:-

Prem Goyal, O.B.E., J.P., Alderman

Gregory Percy Jones, Q.C., Alderman

 

Read.

 

            Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Alderman Prem Goyal and Alderman Gregory Jones to be appointed to the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park Committee.

 

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

12.

Questions

Minutes:

Support for SMEs

Alexander Barr asked a question of the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee regarding the City Corporation’s support for SMEs. Responding, the Chairman noted that over 99% of businesses based in the City were SMEs, employing nearly half of the City’s workforce and being vital to the City’s vibrancy and prosperity. She outlined the wide range of activity undertaken to support and retain SMEs in the City, much of which extended beyond direct service provision and was more indirect in nature, involving influencing the policy environment on issues relating to tax, regulation, skills, transport, planning or housing. The unique services on offer to City businesses, such as the assistance provided by the City Property Advisory Team, Cyber Griffin support against cyber-crime, and the support of Heart of the City, were also outlined.

 

The Chairman also observed that one of the key factors in supporting SMEs related to the range of office space available advising that, through the Local Plan review, the City was looking specifically at the opportunity to promote the delivery of more flexible workspace. The implementation of an ‘Article 4 Direction’, giving the City an exemption from Permitted Development Rights (which allowed a change of use from commercial to residential without planning permission) would also allow the City to retain its office stock while many London boroughs were losing workspace to residential use.

 

In response to a supplementary question from Alexander Barr, the Chairman outlined the various ways in which success might be measured, including monitoring the number of SMEs in the City, working with Openreach in relation to the level of high-speed broadband connectivity amongst SMEs, and working with developers to monitor the delivery of flexible workspace.

 

Housing Waiting List

Rehana Ameer asked a question of the Chairman of the Community and Children’s

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

13.

Motions pdf icon PDF 53 KB

To consider a Motion, submitted by Deputy Edward Lord, concerning the commissioning of statues to mark the centenary of women’s suffrage.

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

Minutes:

Motion - “That this Honourable Court, in recognition of the centenary of women’s suffrage and in committing itself to make further strides forward in making the City of London an open, tolerant and inclusive place to live, work, and visit, resolves to recognise the contribution made by London’s women, by commissioning a statue or statues to be placed in prominent public positions, perhaps of some of the pioneering women who first held high office in the City, such as Dame Mary Donaldson GBE JP (Lord Mayor 1983), Edwina Coven CBE JP DL (Chief Commoner 1987), or Dame Judith Mayhew-Jonas DBE (Policy Chairman 1997-2003), or other women who have added value to the life of London over the centuries; and to refer this matter to relevant committees (advised by an independent expert group) to determine the subjects, budgets, design, location, and other practical concerns.”

 

Deputy Edward Lord and Anne Fairweather, the mover and seconder of the Motion, spoke in support of the proposal.

 

Amendment – That the Motion be altered to include the words “or other depictions” following the words “statue or statues”.

 

Upon the Amendment being put, the Lord Mayor declared it to be carried.

 

Upon the Motion as amended being put, the Lord Mayor declared it to be carried.

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14.

Awards and Prizes pdf icon PDF 56 KB

To receive a report of the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama concerning the recent receipt of an award.

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

Minutes:

The Court received a report of the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, advising of the receipt of a gold award in the Office for Students’ recent teaching excellence framework. The School had also been listed as the UK’s top conservatoire in the 2019 Guardian University Guide for Music.

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

15.

Policy and Resources Committee pdf icon PDF 72 KB

To receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the City Corporation’s membership of the Local Government Association.

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

Minutes:

Policy and Resources Committee

 

(Catherine McGuinness, Deputy)

7 June 2018

Report of Urgent Action Taken: Local Government Association Reconstitution

The Court received a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures relative to the reconstitution of the Local Government Association.

 

The LGA had recently undertaken a comprehensive review of its governance and constitution to become more tax efficient, take more advantage of best value and keep member authority subscriptions to a reasonable level. Having considered a number of options which, amongst other things, included seeking charitable status, creating a community interest company and becoming a company limited by guarantee, the Association had concluded that its best option would be to change from an unincorporated Association to an incorporated unlimited company. As a result, member authorities of the current LGA were required to formally apply to become members of the new company (also called the Local Government Association (11177145)) which was incorporated on 30 January 2018 and to which the assets and liabilities of the LGA were intended to be transferred.

 

Following the receipt of satisfactory responses to a number of legal and financial queries, the Policy and Resources Committee considered and endorsed the City Corporation’s membership of the new LGA, subject to the final consent of the Court.

 

Approval was therefore given for:-

·      the City Corporation applying to become a member of the new incorporated body, the Local Government Association (11177145);

·      the Chairman of Policy and Resources Committee (for the time being) or his or her representative and Alderman Sir David Wootton, being appointed to serve as the City Corporation’s representatives on the new LGA company’s General Assembly and, should they be elected or appointed by the new company, also serving as Directors of the new company or on any other governance structure it is agreed should be adopted (this

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

16.

Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee pdf icon PDF 69 KB

To consider recommendations concerning the provision of hospitality.

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

Minutes:

HOSPITALITY WORKING PARTY OF THE POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

 

(John George Stewart Scott, J.P., Chief Commoner)

22 May 2018

Applications for Hospitality

 

(a)      Reception following Pride Flag raising

In July 2017, the City Corporation flew the LGBT Pride Flag at Guildhall to mark the Pride in London Festival. The Court of Common Council subsequently passed a motion to fly the LGBT Pride Flag at Guildhall and other City Corporation buildings to mark the annual Pride in London Festival.

 

In 2018, the Pride in London Parade was to take place on Saturday 7 July. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport advice to Government Departments was for the Rainbow Flag to be flown from Monday 2 July to Saturday 7 July.

 

It was therefore proposed that the Pride Flag fly at Guildhall in line with Government advice and that the City Corporation host a reception in the Crypts following the flag raising on 2 July.  The reception would provide an opportunity for the City Corporation to show its continuing support for the LGBT community and its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion throughout London and the UK.

 

Guests would include the Board of the LGBT+ Pride in London Organising Committee, representatives from the City Corporation’s Pride LGBT staff networks and the City Corporation’s other staff diversity networks, representatives from the City of London Police and City associated units from the Armed Forces, representatives from LGBT+ networks from businesses and firms within the City and leading LGBT+ charities.

 

It was therefore recommended that hospitality be granted for an early evening reception following the flag raising to mark the 40th anniversary of the Rainbow Flag; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the agreed parameters.

 

This would be a full Court event.

 

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for

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17.

Policy and Resources and The City Bridge Trust Committee pdf icon PDF 106 KB

To note the adoption of a Philanthropy Strategy.

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Policy and Resources Committee

THE CITY BRIDGE TRUST COMMITTEE

 

(Catherine McGuinness, Deputy)

(Alison Gowman, Alderman)

7 June 2018

2 May 2018

Philanthropy Strategy

The City Corporation and its associated charities enjoy a proud track record of philanthropy. Following a number of reviews undertaken in recent years, a Strategy had been developed to maximise and focus the City Corporation’s efforts in this area.

 

This new overarching strategy bound together the relevant elements of the City Corporation’s Corporate Plan with the City Bridge Trust’s “Bridging Divides” strategy and aligned much more explicitly with those of related charities such as The Lord Mayor’s Appeal and Heart of the City.

 

The City Bridge Trust and Policy and Resources Committees had considered and approved this Strategy and it was presented to the Court for information.

 

Resolved – That the Philanthropy Strategy be noted.

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

18.

Police Committee pdf icon PDF 112 KB

To consider the adoption of a Cyber Security Strategy.

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Minutes:

POLICE COMMITTEE

 

(Doug Barrow, Deputy)

24 May 2018

Cyber Security Strategy

The City of London’s financial and professional services (FPS) industry was at risk of a unique cyber threat and, as a sector designated as Critical National Infrastructure, there was a need to enhance its protection from future attack.

 

The City of London Police (CoLP) and the Economic Development Office (EDO) had therefore proposed to partner to develop and deliver a cyber strategy incorporating: 

·      the ‘Cyber Griffin’ initiative, which would include expert briefing, training and scenario planning to help businesses in the Square Mile defend against cyber-attack;

·      a cyber security incident response exercise developed by the University of Bristol as well as tailored research;

·      bespoke products and advice from the Global Cyber Alliance; and   

·      stakeholder liaison, promotion, and project management by EDO to optimise implementation of the strategy.

 

This initiative also had the support of the Finance and Policy and Resources Committees and was now presented to the Court for final approval.

 

Resolved – That:-

·      approval be given to an uplift of the City of London Police budget for the amount of £870k for 2018/19, and EDO’s budget for the amount of £55k;

·      approval be given to an increase to the base budget of the City of London Police of £450k and EDO’s budget for £55k, for 2019/20 for the initial launch and piloting of Cyber Griffin (over two years), to be drawn from City’s Cash; and

·      it be noted that, pending the initial success of Cyber Griffin, a business case would be presented to seek long-term funding, to continue to deliver the strategy, beginning in 2020/21.

 

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

19.

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 X of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

 

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

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:-

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20.

Markets

To consider reports of the Markets Committee, as follows:-

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Minutes:

Markets Committee

The Court:-

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20a

Relocation of the Museum of London

(A)      Relocation of the Museum of London – to consider proposals relating to the Poultry Market and the relocation of the Museum of London.

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

Minutes:

a)    approved a report concerning the relocation of the Museum of London; and

 

 

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

20b

Strategic Review of Markets

(B) Strategic Review of Markets – to consider proposals relative to the strategic review of the City’s wholesale markets.

For Decision

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

Minutes:

b)    approved a report concerning the strategic review of markets.

 

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

21.

Finance Committee

To consider reports of the Finance Committee, as follows:-

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

Minutes:

Finance Committee

The Court:-

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

21a

Managed Print Services

(A)      Managed Print Services – to consider the award of a contract relative to the provision of print and digital services.

For Decision

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

Minutes:

a)    approved a report concerning the award of a contract relative to managed print and digital services; and

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

21b

Report of Urgent Action Taken: Corporate Catering Contract

(B) Report of Urgent Action Taken: Corporate Catering Contract – to receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the award of corporate catering contracts.

For Information

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

Minutes:

b) received a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the award of a contract.

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

22.

Property Investment Board

To receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures concerning the disposal of a freehold.

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

Minutes:

Property Investment Board

The Court received a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the disposal of a freehold.

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