Agenda and minutes

The Lord Mayor spoke to pay tribute to the victims of the attack at Fishmongers’ Hall on Friday 29 November. On behalf of the City Corporation, he expressed his condolences to the families and friends of Saskia Jones and Jack Merritt, adding that his thoughts were also with those recovering from the attack, and with those members of the public and the emergency services who were first on the scene and demonstrated such remarkable bravery.

The Court proceeded to stand for a minutes’ silence as a mark of respect.

Helen Lesley Fentimen, lately elected to be of the Common Council for the Ward of Aldersgate, was introduced to the Court and, having previously made the declaration prescribed by the Promissory Oaths Act, 1868, took her seat.

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

There were none.

To agree the minutes of the meeting of the Court of Common Council held on 10 October 2019

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

To pass the Vote of Thanks, read informally at the last meeting of the Court, to the

late Lord Mayor.

Resolved unanimously - “That the Members of this Honourable Court take great pleasure in expressing to:

ALDERMAN PETER KENNETH ESTLIN

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, energetic, and driven, Peter has travelled extensively over the past year, visiting some 27 countries as well as a significant range of cities and towns across the UK. Both at home and abroad, he has worked tirelessly as a passionate advocate on behalf of the UK’s financial and professional sectors.

Peter’s year has been focused heavily on his Mayoral Theme, Shaping Tomorrow’s City Today. Through this, he has worked to ensure that London retains its place as a global hub for digital innovation, keeping the City at the centre of future growth. The launch on 10^th October of Future.NOW, a coalition of businesses, civic society and Government departments designed to ensure a cohesive approach to digital skills across the country, represents a key achievement, ensuring that focus is maintained long after Peter’s Mayoralty and leaving a lasting legacy.

During his time as Lord Mayor, Peter has hosted many special events to further economic diplomacy and promote London as a centre for business, with the Business and Investment Dinner and the International Trade Dinner being particular successes. Given his moniker as the Digital Lord Mayor, it is perhaps no surprise that that he has been unrelenting in his energy for additional engagements, delivering over 600 formal speeches and hosting well in excess of 300 meetings, conferences, roundtables and similar events at Mansion House alone. We owe Peter an enormous debt of gratitude for the commitment he has shown throughout.

We on the Court also wish to pay tribute to

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 visits to Leeds, Manchester, and Northern Ireland.

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

There was no statement.

There were no docquets 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:-

There was no report.

To consider the following appointments:

(A)         Four Members on the Community and Children’s Services Committee, for the balance of terms expiring in April 2020.

Nominations received:-

Helen Lesley Fentimen

(B)         Six Members on the Barbican Residential Committee, for varying terms.

Nominations received:-

Henry Nicholas Almroth Colthurst

Dawn Linsey Wright

(C)         Two Members on the Cripplegate Foundation, for terms expiring in December 2024.

Nominations received:-

*Alderman David Andrew Graves

The Court proceeded to consider appointments to the following Committees and

Outside Bodies:-

(A) Four Members on the Community and Children’s Services Committee, for

the balance of terms expiring in April 2020.

Nominations received:-

Helen Lesley Fentimen

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Helen Fentimen to be appointed to the Community and Children’s Services Committee.

(B) Six Members on the Barbican Residential Committee(in the category of non-resident), one for a term expiring April 2023, one for the balance of a term expiring April 2022, two for the balance of terms expiring in April 2021, and two for the balance of terms expiring in April 2020.

Nominations received:-

Henry Nicholas Almroth Colthurst

Dawn Linsey Wright

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Henry Colthurst and Dawn Wright to be appointed to the Barbican Residential Committee.

(C) Two Members on the Cripplegate Foundation, for terms expiring in December 2024.

Nominations received:-

*Alderman David Andrew Graves

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Alderman David Graves to be appointed to the Cripplegate Foundation.

Littering of Cigarette Butts

Alderman Ian Luder asked a question of the Chairman of the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee concerning littering and whether there had been a noticeable decrease in the volume of cigarette butts discarded inappropriately on City streets since the increase in the penalty fine for such littering in April of 2019.

Responding, the Chairman advised that, whilst figures were kept on the total amount of waste cleared from City streets, the smoking-related litter stream was not separated out owing to the practicalities of doing so. However, independent Keep Britain Tidy (KBT) litter surveys were carried out which provided a specific cigarette butt count and could be used to give an indication as to whether the increase in the penalty fee in April had had an effect. A comparison of the survey results before and after the fee change suggested a significant decrease in the number of dropped butts; however, there was still much to be done.

The Chairman expressed his hope that further behavioural change initiatives, which were intended to raise awareness of the impact of littering as well as the potential fines, would increase the desired behavioural change amongst smokers and reduce littering. These initiatives would be combined with a refocussed effort from the relevant enforcement team, due to commence April 2020.

(A) By Deputy Michael John Cassidy, C.B.E.

“That the Resolution of Thanks to the late Lord Mayor, passed by Common Hall

on 2 October last, be presented in a form agreeable to him?”

(B) By Deputy Richard David Regan, O.B.E.

“That the Resolution of Thanks to Vincent Thomas Keaveney, Alderman and

Solicitor and Margaret Elizabeth Green, Citizen and Framework Knitter, the late

Sheriffs of the City, passed by Common Hall on 2 October last, be presented in

a form agreeable to them?”

(C) By Deputy Joyce Carruthers Nash, O.B.E.

“That Helen Lesley Fentimen be appointed to the Markets Committee for the

Ward of Aldersgate, in the room of Richard Peter Crossan (who is no longer on

the Court)?”

(A) Resolved - That the Resolution of Thanks to the late Lord Mayor, passed by Common Hall on 2 October last, be presented in a form agreeable to him.

(B) Resolved - That the Resolution of Thanks to Vincent Thomas Keaveney, Alderman and Solicitor and Margaret Elizabeth Green, Citizen and Framework Knitter, the late Sheriffs of the City, passed by Common Hall on 2 October last, be presented in a form agreeable to them.

(C) Resolved - That Helen Lesley Fentimen be appointed to the Markets Committee for the Ward of Aldersgate, in the room of Richard Peter Crossan (who was no longer on the Court).

To receive a report of the Chairman of the Port Health & Environmental Services Committee, advising of the recent receipt of two awards.

The Court received a report of the Chairman of the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee, advising of the recent receipt of two awards.

To consider the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Association’s definition of anti-semitism.

POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

(Deputy Catherine McGuinness)

International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Definition on Anti-Semitism

Both the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and the Leaders’ Committee of London Councils had recommended that UK and London local authorities consider adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Definition on Anti-Semitism. The Court of Common Council was now asked to consider these recommendations in light of a reported increase in anti-Semitic incidents across the UK during the first half of 2019, and the adoption of the definition by at least 19 London boroughs.

Resolved - That the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, including the agreed working examples (Appendix 1) be adopted, with the inclusion of the IHRA definition and working examples within the Members’ and Officers’ Code of Conduct approved.

To consider recommendations concerning the provision of hospitality.

Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee

(Deputy Tom Hoffman, M.B.E., Chief Commoner)

Applications forHospitality

(a)      Noel Coward exhibition and private view

          It was proposed that the City Corporation host a private view in Guildhall Art Gallery on Wednesday 15 July 2020 to mark the launch of an exhibition about Noel Coward.

          The private view would provide an opportunity to promote the exhibition, thank contributors and highlight the City Corporation’s role in the City and country’s cultural offering.  It was, therefore, recommended that hospitality be granted for an early evening private view and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash within the agreed parameters. 

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for an early evening private view  for the Noel Coward exhibition and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash within the agreed parameters.

(b)      2020 Lambeth Conference

          The Lambeth Conference is the decennial assembly of bishops of the Anglican Communion. The 15^th Lambeth Conference was to take take place in summer 2020 and it was proposed to provide a lunchtime reception at Guildhall on 29^th July 2020 to mark the conference. The event will provide an opportunity to develop further the close relationship the City Corporation has with Lambeth Palace and the Diocese of London; to demonstrate the City Corporation’s commitment to promote London as an inclusive, diverse and multi-faith City; and to project the work and strategic aims of the City Corporation, with representatives from 165 countries attending the conference, building relations with

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

Standards Committee

(Ann Holmes)

(A)  Indemnities for Independent Persons – to consider recommendations concerning the indemnification of Independent Persons appointed under the Localism Act 2011.

For Decision

Insurance and Indemnities for Independent Persons

The Committee on Standards in Public Life had recommended that local authorities provide indemnities to their Independent Persons, appointed under the Localism Act 2011, in relation to their comments during the discharge of their duties. It was, accordingly, recommended that the Court should agree to indemnify Independent Persons in respect of any personal liability arising in the circumstances defined in the report.

Resolved – That the proposals, as set out in the report, to indemnify and/or insure Independent persons (through the extension of the Corporation’s Defamation Cover) against awards of damages or expenses, incurred arising out of the disclosure of any comments made in good faith, during the exercise of their functions as Independent Persons, be approved.

(B)  Appointment of Co-opted Members – to consider the appointment of two individuals and an associated temporary amendment to the Standards Committee’s composition.

For Decision

4 October 2019

(B) Appointment of Co-opted Members

The Standards Committee currently comprised sixteen Members, four of whom were co-opted. Following the introduction of the Localism Act 2011, Co-opted Members were no longer a statutory requirement and had no formal vote; however, the City of London Corporation had agreed to their inclusion on the Committee to maximise the breadth of knowledge and experience available.

There was currently one co-opted member vacancy on the Standards Committee, in the room of Mark Greenburgh. However, on this occasion, the appointment panel had been of the view that two candidates (The Very Revd. Dr. David Ison and Elizabeth Walters) interviewed extremely well and that both would be an asset to the Committee. With this in mind, the Committee was recommending a temporary expansion of the Standards Committee (from a total of 16 to 17 Members and a total of five as opposed to four Co-optees) to allow for both to be appointed. This proposal had also been considered and approved by the Policy and Resources Committee.

Resolved – That:-

1.      The Very Revd. Dr. David Ison and Elizabeth Walters be appointed to serve as Co-opted Members of the Standards Committee (the latter for a term of 2 years, to complete the balance of Mr Greenburgh’s term of office, expiring in December 202, and the former for an initial term of office of 3 years, expiring in December 2022).

2.      The temporary expansion of the size of the Standards Committee, from 16 to 17 Members, be approved to accommodate a total of five as opposed to four Co-opted Members for a period of a maximum of 3 years, until December 2022.

To consider the appointment of a Governor to Prior Weston School.

EDUCATION BOARD

(Henry Nicholas Almroth Colthurst)

12 September 2019

Appointment of Governor to Prior Weston School

The City of London Corporation holds responsibility for the appointment of a number of Governors to the several City Academies, as well as a number of other schools and educational institutions. The Education Board had recently considered one of these vacancies and recommended that the Court of Common Council grants approval to William Pimlott being appointed to the Board of Governors of Prior Weston Primary School.

Resolved – That William Pimlott be appointed to the Board of Governors of Prior Weston Primary School for a term of up to four years, expiring at the end of the academic year on 31 August 2023.

To consider reports of the Audit & Risk Management Committee, as follows:-

Audit and Risk Management Committee

(Alderman Ian David Luder, J.P.)

(A)Appointment of External Member – to consider the appointment of an External Member to the Committee.

For Decision

Appointment of External Member

In September 2011, the Court of Common Council agreed that the Audit and Risk

Management Committee should have the ability to recruit up to three external

Members, to provide additional expertise and challenge.

The final term of one of the current external Members was due to expire in April 2020 and, in advance of this, a recruitment process has been undertaken to identify a suitable successor. The Court was now recommended to agree the appointment of Dan Worsley as an external Member.

Resolved – That Dan Worsley as be appointed as an external Member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee, for an initial three-year term commencing April 2020.

(B) Annual Report – to note the annual report on the Committee’s activities.

For Information

Annual Report

The Court received the Audit and Risk Management Committee’s 2018/19 Annual Report of the Audit and Risk Management Committee, reporting on activity up to 31 July 2019. Providing this report to the Court of Common Council on an annual basis was in line with the Chartered Instituted of Public Finance & Accounting (CIPFA) guidance on best practice for audit committees in order to effectively support the organisation; for the Court to understand the work of the Committee; and, for the Court to hold the Committee to account.

Resolved – That the report be received and its content noted.

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 10 October 2019.

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

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

Finance Committee

The Court:-

(A)IT Managed Services – to consider the award of a contract in relation to IT Managed Services.

For Decision

a)    approved the award of a contract in relation to IT Managed Services;

(B) Report of Urgent Action Taken: Walbrook Wharf – to note action

taken under urgency procedures in relation to a decant project concerning Walbrook Wharf.

b) noted action taken under urgency procedures in relation to a project to vacate staff from Walbrook Wharf; and,

(C) Report of Urgent Action Taken: London Boroughs' Legal Alliance Barristers Framework Procurement – to note action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the award of a contract.

c) noted action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the award of a Framework Agreement.

To receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to a housing project.

Community and Children’s Services Committee

The Court noted action taken under urgency procedures in relation to a housing project.