Venue: Guildhall
Contact: Gregory Moore
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Apologies Minutes: The apologies of those Members unable to attend this meeting of the Court were noted. |
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Declarations by Members under the Code of Conduct in respect of any items on the agenda Minutes: There were none. |
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To agree the minutes of the meeting of the Court of Common Council held on 21 June 2018.
Minutes: Resolved - That the Minutes of the last Court are correctly recorded. |
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Resolutions on Retirements, Congratulatory Resolutions, Memorials. Minutes: Resolved unanimously – That, on his retirement from this Honourable Court, Members wish to place on record their most sincere thanks to:-
Jeffrey Richard de Corban Evans, the Lord Mountevans
for the service that he has given to the City of London Corporation and to the City.
Having served the Ward of Cheap as its Alderman since his election in 2007, in 2012/13 Jeffrey was elected to the Office of Sheriff of the City of London and, in 2015/16, served as the City’s 688th Lord Mayor; carrying out the demanding role with commitment and integrity.
Drawing on his strong shipping background, including roles as a Managing Director of Clarkson’s Shipping and Chairman of Maritime London, Jeffrey has used his experience and insight over the past eleven years to help navigate the City through all waters, whether turbulent or smooth, and we are grateful to him for his many contributions.
Having now stepped down from Office, Jeffrey, so well supported throughout by Juliet, can take with him the very best wishes of all his colleagues on this Court for a long, happy and healthy retirement from civic life in the City.
Resolved unanimously – That, on her retirement from this Honourable Court, Members wish to place on record their most sincere thanks to:-
Dame Catherine Fiona Woolf, D.B.E.
for her dedication to the work of the City over the past 11 years.
In 2007, Dame Fiona was admitted to this Court as an Alderman for the Ward of Candlewick. In 2010, she was elected to the Office of Sheriff of the City of London and, in 2013, became the City’s 686th Lord Mayor and only the second female to serve as Lord Mayor since 1189.
Having held prominent positions in her professional career – namely as a Partner at CMS Cameron |
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Mayoral Visits The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor to report on his recent overseas visits. Minutes: The Lord Mayor reported on his recent visits to Nigeria, Japan and South Korea.
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Policy Statement To receive a statement from the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee. Minutes: The Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee spoke to update Members on the City Corporation’s response to the Brexit White Paper, which had been published by Her Majesty’s Government the previous week, and to outline the proposed next steps.
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Docquets for the Hospital Seal. Minutes: There were no docquets for the seal. |
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The Freedom of the City PDF 96 KB To consider a circulated list of applications for the Freedom of the City. 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:-
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To receive a report setting out measures introduced into Parliament which may have an effect on the services provided by the City Corporation. Minutes:
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Appointments To consider the following appointments:
Nominations received:- Ian Christopher Norman Seaton James Michael Douglas Thomson, Deputy
(B) Three Members on the Board of Governors of the City of London School for Girls, for four-year terms expiring in July 2022.
Nominations received:- Nicholas Michael Bensted-Smith, J.P. Tijs Broeke Ann Holmes
(C) Four Members on the Board of Governors of the City of London Freemen’s School, two for four-year terms expiring July 2022, and two for the balance of terms, one expiring July 2018 and one expiring in July 2019.
Nominations received:- Elizabeth Rogula, Deputy Philip John Woodhouse, Deputy
(D) Five Members on the Community & Children’s Services Committee, for the balance of terms expiring in April 2019.
Nominations received:- Graeme Harrower
(E) Two Members on the Standards Appeals Committee, for the balance of terms expiring in April 2019.
Nominations received:- Randall Keith Anderson Minutes: The Court proceeded to consider appointments to the following Committees:
(A) Two Members on the Board of Governors of the City of London School, for four-year terms expiring in July 2022.
Nominations received:- Ian Christopher Norman Seaton James Michael Douglas Thomson, Deputy
Read.
Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Ian Seaton and Deputy James Thomson to be appointed to the Board of Governors of the City of London School.
(B) Three Members on the Board of Governors of the City of London School for Girls, for four-year terms expiring in July 2022.
Nominations received:- Nicholas Michael Bensted-Smith, J.P. Tijs Broeke Ann Holmes
Read.
Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Nicholas Bensted-Smith, Tijs Broeke and Ann Holmes to be appointed to the Board of Governors of the City of London School for Girls.
(C) Four Members on the Board of Governors of the City of London Freemen’s School, three for four-year terms expiring July 2022 and one for the balance of a terms expiring July 2019.
Nominations received:- Elizabeth Rogula, Deputy Philip John Woodhouse, Deputy
Read.
Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Deputy Elizabeth Rogula and Deputy Philip Woodhouse to be appointed to the Board of Governors of the City of London Freemen’s School.
(D) Five Members on the Community & Children’s Services Committee, for the balance of terms expiring in April 2019.
Nominations received:- Graeme Harrower
Read.
Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Graeme Harrower to be appointed to the Community & Children’s Services Committee.
(E) Two Members on the Standards Appeals Committee, for the balance of terms expiring in April 2019.
Nominations received:- Randall Keith Anderson
Read.
Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Randall Anderson to be appointed to the Standards Appeals Committee. |
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Questions Minutes: Grenfell Tower William Upton asked a question of the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee regarding the speed and nature of the response and the City Corporation’s involvement to the tragic events at Grenfell Tower.
Responding, the Chairman noted that a Public Inquiry would be looking into the response, adding that, whilst the City Corporation did not have any direct involvement in the process at this point in time, it would be monitoring developments and learning emerging from the Inquiry. She also advised that the Greater London Authority’s London Resilience Team were currently in the process of carrying out multi-agency debriefs and that the City Corporation would seek to use their report to help identify local learning which might be adopted and implemented.
In response to a supplementary question from William Upton, the Chairman explained that, in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, the City Corporation had undertaken a comprehensive review of processes and procedures relating to fire safety across all its residential properties. As a consequence of this activity, a programme of fire safety improvement works was being implemented across the entirety of the residential portfolio, with progress reports being provided to the Community and Children’s Services Committee on a regular basis. The Chairman also made reference to additional learning which had been taken on board through London Councils, with their Leaders’ Committee having identified various learning points which had been communicated back to officers.
Public Realm Enhancements Alderman Michael Mainelli asked a question of the Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee concerning improvements being made to the public realm.
Replying, the Chairman outlined the positive work undertaken in recent years to improve the public realm across the City, improving pedestrian access, inclusivity and safety. He added that this activity was primarily managed through the City |
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Motions Minutes: There were no motions. |
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Awards and Prizes Minutes: There was no report. |
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Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee PDF 62 KB To consider recommendations concerning the provision of hospitality. Minutes: HOSPITALITY WORKING PARTY OF THE POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE
(John George Stewart Scott, J.P., Chief Commoner) 10 July 2018 Applications for Hospitality
(a) Ambassador of Kuwait His Excellency, the Ambassador of Kuwait, Mr Khaled Al-Duwaisan, was due to complete 25 years as Ambassador to the United Kingdom during 2018.
The Ambassador was a regular attendee at many City events, including the Lord Mayor’s Banquet and State Banquets. As Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, he was also one of the speakers at the Easter Banquet. During his tenure, the City had hosted two State Banquets for Kuwait, in May 1995 and November 2012.
The Ambassador had been recognised with awards for his work on interfaith dialogue and counter-terrorism and was awarded a KCVO by Her Majesty the Queen in 2015.
It was proposed that the City Corporation hosts a dinner to mark the Ambassador’s 25 years of service to the Court of St James and to thank him for his work in promoting ties between Kuwait and the UK, including the City. Guests would include representatives from the Royal Household, Foreign Office and City businesses, and personal City contacts of the Ambassador including Livery Companies and institutions with which the Ambassador was associated.
It was therefore recommended that hospitality be granted for a dinner to mark the Ambassador’s 25 years of service to the Court of St James and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within approved parameters.
The host element would be the Hospitality Working Party, Aldermen above the Chair and Members with relevant interests.
Resolved – That hospitality be granted for a dinner to mark the Ambassador’s 25 years of service to the Court of St James, with arrangements to be made |
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To receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures relating to the award of a contract for catering, cleaning and housekeeping services at the City of London Freemen’s School. Minutes: FINANCE COMMITTEE
(Jeremy Paul Mayhew) 1 July 2018 Report of Urgent Action Taken: City of London Freemen’s School Catering, Cleaning and Housekeeping Services – Contract Award Report The Court received a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures concerning the award of a contact for Soft Facilities Management services, including catering, cleaning and housekeeping services, at the City of London Freemen’s School. It was noted that approval had been given to the award of a three-year contract, commencing 1 August 2018, to Sodexo Limited at a cost of £1,535,402 per annum.
Resolved – That the action taken under urgency procedures be noted. |
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Board of Governors of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama PDF 95 KB To consider amendments to the Board’s Terms of Reference. Minutes: BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE GUILDHALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND DRAMA
(Vivienne Littlechild, J.P.) 24 May 2018 Amendments to Terms of Reference The Court of Common Council was asked to consider and approve proposed amendments to the terms of reference of the Board of Governors of Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GSMD). These changes arose as a result of the introduction in April 2018 of the Office for Students, in place of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), as well as a review of the terms of reference by the Board’s Governance and Effectiveness Sub Committee. The proposed amendments had been considered and endorsed by the Policy and Resources Committee and were recommended to the Court for final approval.
Resolved – That the proposed amendments to the terms of reference of the Board of Governors of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, as set out in the appendix to this report, be approved.
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Standards Committee To consider reports of the Standards Committee, as follows:- Minutes: STANDARDS COMMITTEE
(Oliver Arthur Wynlayne Lodge) |
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Amendment to Terms of Reference PDF 83 KB (A) Amendments to Terms of Reference – To consider amendments to the Committee’s Terms of Reference. For Decision
Minutes: 8 May 2018 (a) Amendments to Terms of Reference The Court of Common Council was asked to consider and approve proposed amendments to the terms of reference of the Standards Committee arising from the outcome of the review of the Standards framework. These proposed amendments had been considered and endorsed by the Policy and Resources Committee and were recommended for approval.
The Chairman spoke to introduce the report, clarifying the transitional arrangements applicable to the changes to the Committee's Terms of Reference. He confirmed that, consistent with the decision of the Court made on 8 March 2018, any appeal in relation to an allegation that had already been assessed by the relevant Standards Sub-Committee would be determined under the existing arrangements.
Resolved – That the proposed amendments to the terms of reference of the Standards Committee, as set out in the appendix to the report, be approved.
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Appointment of Co-opted Members PDF 74 KB (B) Appointment of Co-opted Members – To consider the re-appointment of two co-opted Members to the Committee. For Decision
Minutes: 18 May 2018 (b) Co-opted Member Appointments The terms of office of two current co-opted Members of the Standards Committee were due to expire in December 2018. Although both co-optees were eligible for reappointment for a second and final four-year term of office, it was proposed that one reappointment be for a three-year period at this stage, in order to better regulate the terms of office of the co-opted members of the Committee. The Court was therefore recommended to reappoint Dan Large and Mark Greenburgh as co-opted Members of the Standards Committee, for a four-year and a three-year term of office respectively, to commence from the expiry of their current terms in December 2018.
In reply to a question from Benjamin Murphy, the Chairman assured the Court that diversity and inclusion would be at the forefront of the Committee’s approach when considering potential appointees to the outstanding co-opted Member vacancy on the Committee. However, he cautioned that application levels for such posts had historically been low and the Committee might therefore be limited in its options. The Chairman subsequently urged Members to encourage good quality prospective candidates they might be aware of to apply.
Responding to a further question from Marianne Fredericks, the Chairman confirmed that co-opted Members were subject to the same rules as elected Members in respect of the management of potential conflicts and declarations of interests. In addition, the Committee was able to consider additional background information and request information and disclosures relating to any historic convictions or offences.
Resolved – That Dan Large and Mark Greenburgh be reappointed as co-opted Members of the Standards Committee, for a four-year and a three-year term of office respectively, to commence from the expiry of their current terms in December 2018.
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(C) Annual Report – To receive the annual report providing a summary of the Standards Committee’s activities over the year. For Information Minutes: 18 May 2018 (c) Annual Report The Court received the annual report of the Standards Committee, advising of its activity during the May 2017 to April 2018 period. It was noted that five alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct had been considered by the Committee during 2017/18.
Responding to a question from Marianne Fredericks, the Chairman advised that training in relation to the new complaints and appeals procedures would need to be undertaken by Members of the new Standards Appeals Committee prior to that Committee taking on its responsibilities. He added that he had undertaken the training personally and had also encouraged fellow Standards Committee Members to participate, to gain a greater understanding of the new procedures.
Resolved – That the report be received and its content noted. |
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Local Government Pensions Board PDF 74 KB To consider the extension of an existing Member’s appointment to allow for staggered terms. Minutes: LOCAL GOVERNMENT PENSIONS BOARD
(Ian David Luder, J.P., Alderman) 29 June 2018 Revision to Term of Membership At its meeting on 25 June 2015, the Court of Common Council had established a Local Government Pensions Board in order to meet the requirements of the Public Services Pension Act 2013, which specified that a Local Government Pensions Board must be established by 1 April 2015, but that it need not be operational at this point.
The Court appointed two Members, Alderman Ian Luder and James Tumbridge, as Scheme Manager representatives for terms of four years expiring in April 2019.
It had now been recognised that staggered terms of Membership would be more appropriate to allow for a continuation of Member knowledge and experience on the Board, as well as to offer a smooth transition in future years and a sensible rotation of Members to the Board going forward.
The Court of Common Council was therefore recommended to extend the current term on the Board of James Tumbridge by two years to expire in April 2021. This would allow for a staggering of Membership and offer sufficient overlap between elected Members on the Board when appointing these on four-yearly terms going forward.
Resolved – That James Tumbridge’s current term on the Local Government Pensions Board be extended by two years, such that it now expired in April 2021. |
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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 Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.
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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Non-Public Minutes To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting of the Court held on 21 June 2018. Minutes: |
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Capital Buildings Committee To consider proposals relating to a major building project. Minutes: Capital Buildings Committee The Court approved recommendations concerning a project to provide a new combined courts and police facility. |
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Establishment Committee To consider the proposed pay deal for staff for 2018-20. Minutes: Establishment Committee The Court approved recommendations relating to a proposed pay deal for staff for 2018-20. |
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Property Investment Board To receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the disposal of a 150-year lease. Minutes: Property Investment Board The Court received a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures concerning the disposal of a 150-year lease. |