Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Rooms, 2nd Floor, West Wing, Guildhall

Contact: Rofikul Islam
Tel. No: 020 7332 1174  Email: Rofikul.islam@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Christopher Hill, Shravan Joshi, Graeme Harrower, Tom Hoffman, Wendy Hyde, Peter Dunphy, Adrien Myers, Henrika Priest and Tijs Broeke. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

2.

Members' Declarations under the Code of Conduct in Respect of Items on the Agenda

Minutes:

There were no declarations.

 

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

3.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 123 KB

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 15 January 2019.

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

Minutes:

RESOLVED, that the Public Minutes of the meeting held on 15 November 2018 be approved as a correct record.

 

Matters Arising:

New Waste Cleansing Contract (page 5) – The Committee were informed that the new contractor had now signed the contract and returned this to the City Corporation. It was hoped that it would be sealed by the Comptroller and City Solicitor by the end of the week.

 

Information to Residents on Recycling (page 7) – The Chairman reported that it would not be possible to include details on recycling with residents’ council tax bills due to new corporate printing arrangements. It was, however, something that could be actioned for next year

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

4.

Outstanding Actions pdf icon PDF 51 KB

Report of the Town Clerk.

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

Minutes:

The Committee received a report of the Town Clerk setting out their current list of outstanding actions.

 

Updates were provided as follows:

 

Electric Vehicle Charging:

A Members’ Briefing took place on the 28 February 2019, where Members were provided with a detailed briefing and the tasks being undertaken by Officers to achieve the milestones were explained. The slides and minutes of this session had subsequently been circulated to all Members of the Committee.

 

The previous deadline set by Transport for London for the installation of the Noble Street rapid charging point had, unfortunately, been missed and a new date of mid-March had now been given. Officers stated they found this both disappointing and unacceptable and had raised the matter with TfL at the highest level.

 

Concerning the Baynard House installation, where eight to ten rapid charging points would be introduced this year, design work was progressing rapidly and structural surveys were about to be undertaken.

 

Officers reported that they had received great support for the concept of “off street installation points”, in locations such as carparks, depots and loading bays. They also reported that charging points for taxis and freight would be prioritised given that these vehicles tended to be the highest polluters in the City. This was also being actively explored by the City’s Markets.

 

Over the next six months the City of London Corporation would be looking at other methods of provision and the use of alternative charging technologies, with the aim of making the City of London Corporation a leader in this field.

 

The Chairman reported that the ambition of a report coming to Committee in May 2019 had been superseded by a wider piece of work being undertaken by the Department of Built Environment around an Electric Vehicle Charging Action Plan which was expected by

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

5.

Update on the impact of the UK leaving the EU (Brexit) on Port Health & Public Protection pdf icon PDF 204 KB

Report of the Interim Director of Consumer Protection and Markets Operations.

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

Minutes:

The Committee received a report of the Interim Director of Consumer Protection and Markets Operations updating Members on the impact of the UK leaving the EU (Brexit) on Port Health & Public Protection.

 

The Interim Director of Consumer Protection and Markets Operations reported that he had now received confirmation from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that costs incurred this financial year in terms of planning for Brexit would be recovered.  Similar assurances were now being sought from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

 

The Interim Director of Consumer Protection and Markets Operations went on to report that there had been an increase of 56% in animals passing through the Animal Reception Centre as many people attempted to move their pets to the UK ahead of Brexit.  However, recent months had also seen a decrease in the levels of produce of animal origin through the Ports. In response to questions around this, Members were informed that this could be attributable to natural trade fluctuations, but that careful consideration needed to be given to the downward trend that had emerged since the end of 2018.

 

Members were also informed that theCity of London Corporation had submitted a bid to the Food Standards Agency (FSA)for additional resources for the next financial year to increase the staffing levels at the London ports in anticipation of increased workloads after Brexit.

 

In response to questions around other sources of funding, the Interim Director of Consumer Protection and Markets Operations stated that the Department were keen to secure funding from central government in the first instance but that they may also seek to bid for funds from the City’s own Brexit Contingency Fund going forward. It was confirmed that an additional sum of approximately £10,000 may be required in the first instance.

 

In response

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

6.

Department of the Built Environment: Brexit Update pdf icon PDF 54 KB

Report of the Director of the Department of the Built Environment.

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

Minutes:

The Committee received report of the Director of the Built Environment updating Members on the potential implications of Brexit for the Department of the Built Environment.

 

A Member questioned if the Department anticipated making a bid for any funds from the City’s Brexit Contingency Fund.   Officers stated that there were no plans to do so at this time.

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee note this initial report and that further update reports will be made to subsequent meetings of the Committee.

 

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

7.

TfL Direct Vision Standard Consultation Response pdf icon PDF 67 KB

Report of the Director of the Department of the Built Environment.

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee received a report of the Director of the Department of the Built Environment on the TfL Direct Vision Standard Consultation Response.

 

A Member asked if the City of London Corporation could raise the need for a better bus route between the City and Homerton Hospital with TfL given that many City patients were often sent for appointments here. Officers undertook to raise the matter in future meetings with Transport for London.

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee note the report.

 

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

8.

City of London Transport Strategy, Cleaner and quieter outcome – consultation response pdf icon PDF 2 MB

Report of the Director of the Department of the Built Environment.

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

Minutes:

The Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment providing Members with an update on the ‘Cleaner and Quieter’ outcomes following consultation on the draft Transport Strategy.

 

Officers reported that the Transport Strategy supported and complemented the City’s Air Quality Strategy.

 

It was noted that the City of London Corporation were working with Transport for London regarding the routing of buses and promoting the use hybrid/electric buses where possible. It was hoped that such vehicles would be used on all City routes by 2020.  The City of London Corporation was continuing to push on this and had a target of all vehicles in the City being Zero Emission by 2030.

 

In response to questions around the 9,500 premature deaths relating to air pollution in London, Officers confirmed that this was a London-wide figure and was drawn from figures published by the Mayor of London. The figure related to people whose deaths had been impacted on and cut short in some way by air pollution.

 

A Member raised concerns around the high levels of pollution shown on a map in the report for the Tower Hill area which was situated within her Ward. Officers reported that the map had been computer modelled and may be based on assumptions that may be questionable. However, additional monitoring of nitrogen dioxide levels in this area would take place.

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee note the report.

 

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

9.

Construction Levy - Code of Practice for Deconstruction and Construction Sites Ninth Edition 2019 pdf icon PDF 75 KB

Joint report of the Interim Director Consumer Protection and Markets Operations and the Chief Planning Officer and the Development Director.

 

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee received a joint report of the Interim Director of Markets and Consumer Protection and the Chief Planning Officer and the Development Director, relative to the Construction Levy – Code of Practice for Deconstruction and Construction Sites Ninth Edition 2019.

 

A Member commented that the appendix depicting residential units within the City did not provide a clear picture of residential areas within the Square Mile. Officers reported that the map had since been updated online and was indicative of areas where contractors would need to liaise.

 

A Member asked about costs of the monitoring operation. Officers assured the Committee that the fees were set based on full cost recovery.

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee note the report.

 

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

10.

The Transition towards a Zero-Emission Fleet pdf icon PDF 440 KB

Joint report of the Department for Built Environment and the Chamberlain.

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

Minutes:

The Committee received a joint report of the Department for Built Environment and the Chamberlain’s.

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee note the report.

 

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

11.

Agriculture Bill and Fisheries Bill pdf icon PDF 100 KB

Report of the Remembrancer.

 

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

Minutes:

The Committee received a report of the Remembrancer relative to the Agriculture Bill and Fisheries Bill.

 

The Agriculture Bill: 

The Agriculture Bill has widely been welcomed by the National Union of Farmers. Although the Bill has no major impact upon the City of London Corporation, it is of some interest to the City in relation to the Open Spaces that it manages.

 

The Fisheries Bill:

Members were informed that this related to catches by fishing vessels, licences for such vessels and fines for those catching more than their quota.

 

A Member asked whether Shellfish were covered by the Fisheries Bill. The Remembrancer responded that Shellfish were not part of the catch quota covered by the bill.

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee note the report.

 

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

12.

Drinking Fountains - Delivering Additional Water Refill Points in the City's Public Realm pdf icon PDF 64 KB

Report of the Director of the Department of the Built Environment.

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment, relative to Drinking Fountains – Delivering Additional Water Refill Points in the City’s Public Realm.

 

Members were informed that the first of eight new refill points was to be installed on Cheapside on 20 March 2019and that the map accompanying this report depicted future locations for the installation of additional fountains.

 

A Member questioned why it appeared that all the new fountains were to be installed on the perimeter of the Square Mile as opposed to more centrally. Officers responded that the proposed sites had been mapped out against footfall and available water connections and that an attempt at spreading these evenly throughout the City had been made.

 

A Member suggested that the Finsbury Circus site might warrant consideration for a future installation following its reopening.

 

A Member suggested that the City of London Corporation share the information about water fountain locations with businesses which are based in the City so that the information could, in turn, be disseminated to their staff.  The City of London Corporation is working to promote water fountains through the Plastic Free City campaign.

 

Members discussed how the spread of infection might be prevented if users attempted to drink directly from the fountains. The Chairman noted that the fountains were downwards facing, furthermore, Officers also assured the Committee that extensive daily cleaning and regular monitoring regimes are in place, and these will also apply to new fountains.

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee note the report.

 

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

13.

Final Departmental High-level Business Plans 2019/20 – Department of the Built Environment Markets & Consumer Protection Open Spaces pdf icon PDF 80 KB

Joint report of the Director of the Built Environment, the Interim Director of Consumer Protection and Markets Operations and the Director of Open Spaces.

 

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a joint report of the Director of the Built Environment, the Interim Director Consumer Protection and Markets Operationsand the Director of Open Spaces on the Final Departmental High-level Business Plans 2019/20 for the Department of the Built Environment, Markets and Consumer Protection Department and the Open Spaces Department (with the Cemetery and Crematorium).

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee approves the final high-level Business Plans for 2019/20 for the Department of the Built Environment, Markets and Consumer Protection Department, and the Open Spaces Department (including the Cemetery and Crematorium Business Plan).

 

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

14.

Draft Air Quality Strategy pdf icon PDF 82 KB

Report of the Interim Director of Consumer Protection and Markets Operations.

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Interim Director of Consumer Protection and Markets Operationson the Draft Air Quality Strategy.

 

Offices informed Members that the Draft Air Quality Strategy paper presented to them was the 3rd Draft Air Quality Strategy, though an action plan had been in place since 2002. The City of London Corporation has a statutory duty to assist the Mayor of London in taking measures to reduce levels of air pollution, as well as a responsibility to improve public health.

 

The Draft Air Quality Strategy seeks to bring together data and work on improving air quality. It is worth noting that air quality is a priority for the City of London Corporation as it is now underpinning the City of London Corporation’s Corporate Plan. As a result of the work undertaken, air quality in the City is improving and will continue to improve.

 

Officers reported that the City were also currently working with London Councils on the development of a Private Members Bill aimed at reducing emissions. The cross departmental action detailed within the strategy also demonstrated that air quality was a corporate priority for the Corporation. The strategy also referred to the importance of effective communications around this.

 

The proposed consultation will last for eight weeks, with the launch being imminent. Officers plan to report back to the Committee with their findings in July 2019. 

 

In response to questions, Officers stated that the fact that data showed that the majority of particulate pollution in the City originated elsewhere served to underline the importance of collaborative work. There was an Appendix within the strategy dedicated to this. The Committee requested a better explanation of the premature death figures and suggested that the figures detail the split between those deaths attributable to nitrogen dioxide and those attributable

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

15.

The Walbrook Wharf offices fronting Upper Thames Street - 3rd Floor to be declared surplus pdf icon PDF 56 KB

Report of the Director of the Department of the Built Environment.

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment advising Members that DBE vacated the 3rd floor of Walbrook Wharf, Upper Thames Street on 17 December 2018 and to seek Committee authority to declare the 3rd floor surplus to DBE’s operational requirements.

 

The Committee requested that the report be shared with the Corporate Asset Sub (Finance) Committee for information.

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee declare the 3rd floor offices at Walbrook Wharf, Upper Thames Street surplus to operational requirements.

 

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

16.

Questions on matters relating to the work of the Committee

Minutes:

Big Belly Bins:

A Member reported that the big belly bins at Aldgate Square had recently been overflowing.      This had been particularly unpleasant given recent warm weather with smells coming from the bins. He questioned how quickly Officers were advised of the bins being full. Officers reported that a signal was sent from a bin when 80% full, with a KPI then requiring it to be emptied within two hours.

 

Low Emission Vehicles:

A Member asked whether the City could look at its appointment of external contractors in terms of requiring them to provide low emissions vehicles as well as looking at provisions within its own fleet.

 

The Director of the Built Environment stated that the City followed a responsible procurement code.  This approach had been applied to some contracts already, for example, the City’s refuse fleet would be the first fully electric refuse fleet in the country. It was her understanding that this would be part of the requirements for new contracts going forward but could not be applied retrospectively to existing external contracts.

 

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

17.

Any other business that the Chairman considers urgent

Minutes:

The Committee received a late, separately circulated report of the Director of the Built Environment relative to Beech Street: Transport and Public Realm Improvements.

 

Members were informed that the report, which increased the scope of the project, had been welcomed by the Streets and Walkways Sub Committee. The project involves working with Transport for London and Islington. Members had emphasised the need to speed the process and to bring about the temporary road closures. 

 

 

IOC Honorary Fellowship

The Chairman congratulated the Director of the Built Environment who had recently been awarded an honorary fellowship from the Institute of Couriers. The Director received her award at the IOC fellows' gowning in the House of Lords on 1 March 2019. The fellowship recognises The City’s excellent work on green and safe transport initiatives.

 

The Director thanked the Chairman for his kind words and underlined the efforts of her team in working alongside industry to achieve this prestigious award.

 

Members suggested that the Chairman write to all involved offering them the Committee’s congratulations and thanks.

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee note the report.

 

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

18.

Exclusion of the Public

MOTION – That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

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

Minutes:

19.

Non-Public Minutes

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 15 January 2019.

 

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

Minutes:

RESOLVED, that the Non-Public Minutes of the meeting held on 15 November 2018 be approved as a correct record.

 

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

20.

Port Health and Environmental Services Debtors - Period Ending 31 December 2018

Minutes:

The Committee received a joint report of the Director of the Built Environment, the Interim Director of Consumer Protection and the Markets Operations and the Director of Open Spaces informing Members of invoiced income outstanding as at 31 December 2018.

 

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

21.

Waiver report - Electric Van replacement

Report of the Interim Director of Consumer Protection and Markets Operations.

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered and approved a report of the Interim Director Consumer Protection and Market Operations relative to Waiver report - Electric Van replacement.

 

 

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

22.

London Gateway - New Office Accommodation

Report of the Interim Director of Consumer Protection and Markets Operations.

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered and approved a report of the Interim Director of Consumer Protection and Markets Operations on the London Gateway – New Office Accommodation.

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee approves the recommendation

 

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

23.

Proposed Charges for Street Cleansing, Waste Collection and Public Conveniences 2019/20

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered and approved a report of the Director of the Built Environment on the Proposed Charges for Street Cleansing, Waste Collection and Public Conveniences 2019/20.

 

 

 

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

24.

Non-public questions on matters relating to the work of the Committee

Minutes:

There were no questions raised in the non-public session.

 

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

25.

Any other business that the Chairman considered urgent and which the Committee agrees should be considered whilst the public are excluded

Minutes:

There were no additional, urgent items of business for consideration in the non-public session.

 

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

26.

Delegated powers - Report of action taken

Report of the Town Clerk.

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

Minutes: