Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Room - 2nd Floor West Wing, Guildhall. View directions

Contact: Angela Roach
tel. no.: 020 7332 3685  Email: angela.roach@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Henry Colthurst, Stephen Haines, Christopher Hayward, William Russell, Giles Shilson, Jeremy Simons and Philip Woodhouse.

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

2.

Members Declarations Under the Code of Conduct in Respect of Items on the Agenda

Minutes:

Sir Mark Boleat declared an interest in item no. 11 as a Member of the Board for the Centre for London.

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

3.

Minutes

To consider minutes as follows:-

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

Minutes:

3a

To agree the public minutes of the meeting held on 16 November 2017 pdf icon PDF 335 KB

Minutes:

The public minutes of the meeting held on 16 November 2017 were approved.

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

3b

To note the public minutes of the Projects Sub-Committee meeting held on 8 November 2017 pdf icon PDF 227 KB

Minutes:

The public minutes of the Projects Sub-Committee meeting held on 8 November 2017 were noted.

 

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

3c

To note the public minutes and summary of the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee meeting held on 19 October 2017 pdf icon PDF 243 KB

Minutes:

The public minutes of the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee meeting held on 19 October 2017 were noted.

 

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

4.

Capital Buildings Committee pdf icon PDF 90 KB

Report of the Town Clerk.

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk concerning the creation of a Capital Buildings Committee.

 

A Member was heard in the support of the report. He stated that it was important for the Chairman of the new Committee to see the forthcoming projects through the entire building process and therefore suggested that, on this occasion, no limit be applied to the term of office of the Chairman. He also suggested that the committee should have the ability to co-opt Members with suitable expertise to serve on it. Members supported his suggestions.

 

RESOLVED – that it be recommended to the Court of Common Council that:-

 

1.      a new Capital Buildings Committee be created and that its terms of reference and constitution be as follows:-

 

Terms of Reference

 

In respect of the Police Accommodation and City’s Courts projects, to be responsible for:­-

 

(i)  overall direction;

 

(ii) review of progress; and

 

(iii) decisions on significant option development and key policy choices.

 

Constitution

 

14 Members comprising:-

 

·           The Chairman and Deputy or a Vice Chairman of the Policy & Resources Committee

·           The Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Finance Committee

·           The Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Police Committee

·           Two members appointed by the Policy & Resources Committee

·           Five Members appointed by the Court of Common Council

·           The Chairman of the General Purposes Committee of Alderman

 

2.     That the Committee:-

 

·           should have the ability to co-opt Members with suitable expertise;

 

·           membership of it should not count towards the limit on the number of committees on which a Member may serve as referred to Standing Order 22;

 

·           Chairmanship of the Committee be for the lifetime of the building project; and

 

·           be included within the list of those committees in Standing Order 29 (3), thereby enabling its Chairman to be eligible to

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

5.

Potential Remuneration of Members and Changes to Timing of Meetings pdf icon PDF 101 KB

Report of the Town Clerk.

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk concerning the consultation process for the question of remuneration of Members and changes to the timing of meetings.

 

Detailed discussion ensured on the content of the questionnaire relating to payment. Whilst a number of comments were made, it was agreed that:-

 

·           no reference should be made to separate payments for chairmen;

 

·           the question on assistance with dress should be amended to read “to cover the cost of an appropriate form of dress”; and

 

·           the final wording of the questionnaire should be delegated to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

 

RESOLVED – That the content of the questionnaire relating to the timing of committee meetings be noted and that in relation to the questionnaire on payments to Members:-

 

1.     the question on assistance with dress be amended to read “to cover the cost of an appropriate form of dress”; and

 

2.     the final wording of the questionnaire be delegated to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

 

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

6.

Adult Social Care Budget Proposals pdf icon PDF 224 KB

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services, together with a resolution from the Community and Children’s services Committee, concerning an increase in the future budget for adult and social cares services.

 

It was suggested that the proposal be examined by the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee alongside other requests for resources.

 

RESOLVED – that the 2018/19 adult social care budget be approved in principle and be referred to the next meeting of the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee for necessary action.

 

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

7.

Proposed Education Budget for 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 86 KB

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services, together with a resolution from the Education Board, concerning the proposed education budget for 2018/19.

 

A Member questioned the sum of the grants to be allocated which he felt was high and suggested that the proposal be examined by the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee alongside other requests for resources to ensure it was affordable. A Member, who was also the Chairman of the Multi-Academy Trust, was heard in support of the proposed allocations. He reminded the Committee of the reasons why the grants were originally created; commented on the difference the funding made to the Academies and pointed out that the budget was relatively small when compared to the funding given to other schools. He therefore urged the Committee to support the recommendation. The Strategic Director of Education was also heard in support.

 

After further discussion it was agreed that the education budget should be referred to the January meeting of the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee for consideration and a decision.

 

RESOLVED – that the proposed 2018/19 education budget be referred to the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee for further consideration and a decision.

 

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

8.

Housing Delivery Programme - Progress Report pdf icon PDF 252 KB

Joint Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services and the City Surveyor.

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered a joint report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services and the City Surveyor updating it on the progress of the housing delivery programme and proposing the creation of a Working Group to assist in delivering the programme.

 

Members proceeded to discuss the terms of reference of the working group and whether it should include a reference to governance. A Member advised that whilst he did not feel it was necessary to amend the terms of reference, the governance of the City Corporation’s residential housing needed to be examined on a more strategic level with the aim of producing proposals which consolidate the governance of the City Corporation’s residential housing. The Committee supported this view.

 

Reference was made to the composition of the working group and it was agreed that the three Members of the Court of Common Council should be selected by the Committee. The Chairman also suggested that the Deputy Chairman, Sir Mark Boleat, act as her representative on the working group and that he also chairs the Group. Members supported her suggestion.

 

RESOLVED – that the progress made on the delivery of existing housing schemes and the successful allocation of grant funding from the GLA be noted, and that:-

 

1.     a Member Working Group to support the delivery of the Corporation’s target of 3,700 new homes be created and that its composition be as follows:-

 

·      the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee (or his/her representative)

·      the Chairman of Community and Children’s Services Committee (or his/her representative)

·      the Chairman of the Housing Management and Almshouses Sub Committee (or his/her representative)

·      three Members of the Court of Common Council elected by the Policy and Resources Committee

 

2.     Sir Mark Boleat, the Chairman’s representative on the Working Group, be appointed Chairman of the

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

9.

Pilot Scheme for Business Rates Devolution in London pdf icon PDF 133 KB

Joint Report of the Chamberlain and the Remembrancer.

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered a joint report of the Chamberlain and the Remembrancer on the progress of the Pilot Scheme for Business Devolution in London.

 

RESOLVED -That, subject to the approval of the Court of Common Council, approval be given to the following:-

 

1.     the City Corporation participating in a pilot scheme for a business rates pool in 2018-19 with the Greater London Authority and the London borough councils;

 

2.     the arrangements for the distribution of revenue within the pool be as set out in the report, subject to recommendation (3) below;

 

3.     the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee being authorised, in consultation with the Chairman of the Finance Committee, to agree to minor variations in the arrangements, if agreed by the other participants in the pool;

 

4.     the City Corporation act as the lead authority for the pool and for the strategic investment fund to be established under the pooling arrangements;

 

5.     the Town Clerk, the Chamberlain or the Comptroller & City Solicitor (as appropriate) be authorised, in consultation with the Remembrancer on matters of constitutional or legislative relevance, to take all necessary legal and practical steps for the establishment and administration of the pool and the strategic investment fund, in accordance with the preceding recommendations;

 

6.     the Chamberlain be authorised to draw upon the City Fund reserve to meet the additional costs incurred in the administration of the pool and the strategic investment fund, including those arising from the Common Council’s role as lead authority, up to one full-time equivalent post, with the amounts drawn down being refunded, and any future costs met, from additional revenue retained under the scheme as it becomes available; and

 

7.     oversight of the City Corporation’s work in connection with the pool and the strategic investment fund be referred to this Committee regarding

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

10.

Business Improvement Districts pdf icon PDF 304 KB

Joint Report of the Remembrancer and the City Surveyor.

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered a joint report of the Remembrancer and the City Surveyor City Surveyor concerning the Aldgate Partnership and its desire to establish a more formal business improvement district (BID).

 

RESOLVED – That approval be given to:-

 

1.      the considerations set out in Paragraphs 18 – 20 being taken into account in determining whether the City Corporation should be supportive of promoting a BID in a defined area;

 

2.      the City Corporation providing rating information to the Aldgate Partnership to allow it to undertake a viability assessment in relation to the promotion of a formal BID; and

 

3.      it be noted that a further report would be summited should the Aldgate Partnership wish to pursue developing a formal BID.

 

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

11.

Sponsorship of Centre for London research project pdf icon PDF 129 KB

Report of the Director of Communications.  

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Communications concerning Centre for London’s research project, provisionally entitled ‘How can London Strengthen its relations with the rest of the UK?’.

 

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the City Corporation supporting the Centre for London’s research project, provisionally entitled ‘How can London strengthen its relations with the rest of the UK?’ at a cost of £25,000, to be met from the 2017/18 Policy Initiatives Fund, categorised under Events and charges to City’s Cash.

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

12.

Sponsorship of the CPS Margaret Thatcher Conference on China - June/July 2018 pdf icon PDF 78 KB

Report of the Director of Communications.  

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Communications concerning the 2018 Margaret Thatcher Conference on China.

 

Members noted that the conference would no longer include the launch of the Centre for Policy Studies China Centre.

 

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the City Corporation supporting the 2018 Margaret Thatcher Conference on China at a cost of £21,000, to be met from the 2018/19 Policy Initiatives Fund categorised under Events and charged to City’s Cash.

 

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

13.

Sponsorship to support Chemistry Club, City pdf icon PDF 102 KB

Report of the Director of Economic Development.

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Economic Development concerning proposed support for the Chemistry Club City, which involved a series of high profile networking events on cyber and related technologies.

 

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the City Corporation supporting a series of Chemistry Club City events, at a cost of £40,000 (four events at £10,000), to be met from the 2018/19 Policy Initiatives Fund categorised under Promoting the City and charged to City’s Cash.

 

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

14.

City Office in Brussels - Budget Implications for 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 338 KB

Report of the Director of Economic Development.

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Economic Development concerning the budget for the City Office Brussels in 2018/19 to implement the revised operational arrangements approved by this Committee and the Court of Common Council earlier this year.

 

In answer to a question on how the effectiveness of the new arrangements would be measured, the Director advised that in terms of performance he would be acting on the advice of the consultants and in accordance with the Corporate Plan. A review of how the office was working would also be undertaken as the UK approached Brexit.

 

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the Economic Development Office budget being increased by £571,500 in enable the revised arrangements for the City Office in Brussels to be implemented.

 

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

15.

Revenue and Capital Budgets 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 362 KB

Report of the Chamberlain. [TO FOLLOW AS A LATE PAPER].

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered a joint report of the Town Clerk, Chamberlain and the Remembrancer concerning the2018/19 revenue and capital budgets.

 

The Chamberlain was heard in support of the report. The Chairman referred to the joint meeting of the Resource Allocation and Efficiency and Performance Sub-Committees with Chairmen being held in January and advised that arrangements were being made for Chairmen to be briefed on the financial forecast prior to that meeting. The Chairman of Finance Committee pointed out that whilst a 2% savings target had been approved for 2018/19 it was also intended that departments would be able to bid from funding set aside to reduce the impact on frontline services.

 

RESOLVED – that:-

 

1.     the latest revenue budget for 2017/18 be noted;

 

2.     the provisional 2018/19 revenue budget be approved and submitted to the Finance Committee;

 

3.     the Chamberlain be authorised to revise these budgets to allow for further implications arising from the Service Based Reviews and other corporate efficiency projects; and

 

4.     the draft capital and supplementary revenue budget be noted.

 

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

16.

Visit to Tel Aviv - Update pdf icon PDF 75 KB

Report of the Director of Economic Development.

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Economic Development concerning the outcome of a recent visit to Tel Aviv, Israel in support of the City Corporation’s cyber security strategy.

 

The Director was heard in support of the report and updated the Committee on further work which would be undertaken on cyber security. He advised that amongst other things this would include looking at innovation and what more could be done to encourage companies, particularly start-ups, to locate in the UK.

 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

 

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

17.

City Lighting Strategy: Draft Strategy consultation pdf icon PDF 109 KB

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Economic Development concerning the outcome of a recent visit to Tel Aviv, Israel in support of the City Corporation’s cyber security strategy.

 

The Director was heard in support of the report and updated the Committee on further work which would be undertaken on cyber security. He advised that amongst other things this would include looking at innovation and what more could be done to encourage companies, particularly start-ups, to locate in the UK.

 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

 

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

18.

Draft Departmental Business Plans 2018/19 - Town Clerk's Corporate and Member Services; Economic Development Office; Remembrancer's Office pdf icon PDF 148 KB

Joint report of the Town Clerk and Remembrancer.

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a joint report of the Town Clerk and the Remembrancer relating to their departmental business plans.

 

RESOLVED – the draft high-level business plans for 2018/19 for the Town Clerk’s Department (Corporate and Member Services), Economic Development Office and the Remembrancer’s Office be noted.

 

 

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

19.

Policy Initiatives Fund and Committee Contingency pdf icon PDF 67 KB

Report of the Chamberlain.

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a statement of the Chamberlain on the use of the Policy Initiatives Fund (PIF) and Committee Contingency for 2017/18.

 

RESOLVED – That the statement be noted.

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

20.

QUESTIONS ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE

Minutes:

There were no questions.

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

21.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT THE CHAIRMAN CONSIDERS URGENT pdf icon PDF 127 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The following item of urgent business was considered:-

 

City Wayfinding Signage Review

 

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment concerning the City Wayfinding Review, together with a resolution from the Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee on 24 November 2017.

 

Members were advised that following discussions between the Director of the Built Environment and the Director of Communications a further paper on the provision of signage with the aim of maintaining an element of the City’s uniqueness would be prepared for consideration by the Public Relations and Economic Development Sub-Committee.

 

RESOLVED – That it be noted that a further report on the City’s Wayfinding Signage would be considered by the Public Relations and Economic Development Sub-Committee.

 

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

22.

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 22.

Minutes:

RESOLVED – 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 1 of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

 

Item Nos.                                                           Paragraph(s) in Schedule 12A

 

14 - 21                                                                                     3

 

 

Part 2 – Non-Public Agenda

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

23.

Non-Public Minutes

To consider non-public minutes of meetings as follows:-

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

Minutes:

23a

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 16 November 2017

Minutes:

The non-public minutes of the meeting held on 16 November 2017 were approved.

 

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

23b

To note the non-public minutes of the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee meeting held on 19 October 2017

Minutes:

The non-public minutes of the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee meeting held on 19 October 2017 were noted.

 

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

23c

To note the non-public minutes of the Projects Sub-Committee meeting held on 8 November 2017

Minutes:

The non-public minutes of the Projects Sub-Committee meeting held on 8 November 2017 were noted.

 

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

24.

Housing Delivery Programme Progress Report - Non-Public Appendix

A non-public appendix to accompany Item 9 (Housing Delivery Programme Progress Report).

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

Minutes:

The Committee noted the non-public appendix to item no.8.

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

25.

Report on Action Taken Between Meetings

Report of the Town Clerk.

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk reporting action taken since its last meeting.

 

RESOLVED – That it be noted that since the last meeting approval had been given to the City of London Corporation becoming a signatory to HM Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter.

 

 

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

26.

The Commonwealth Business Forum 2018

Joint Report of the Director of Economic Development and the Remembrancer.  

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered and agreed a joint report of the Director of Economic Development and the Remembrancer concerning the Commonwealth Business Summit to be held in April 2018.

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

27.

Project Funding Update

Report of the Chamberlain.

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

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Chamberlain concerning the provision of funding to enable three projects to proceed as follows:-

 

·                Electronic Social Care System

·                Hampstead Heath – East Heath Car Park resurfacing

·                Lord Mayor’s State Coach refurbishment

 

It was noted that the projects had been considered and supported by the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee.

 

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

28.

Gateway 3 - City of London Freemen's School 2016 Masterplan

Joint Report of the City Surveyor and the Headmaster of the City of London Freemen’s School.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 28.

Minutes:

The Committee considered and agreed a joint gateway 3 report (outline options appraisal) of the Headmaster of the City of London Freemen’s School and the City Surveyor concerning the progression of the School’s 2016 Master Plan.

 

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

29.

Gateway 3/4 - Police Accommodation Strategy: P3E – London Wall Car Park

Joint report of the City Surveyor, the Chamberlain and the Commissioner of City Police.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 29.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a joint gateway 3/4 report (RIBA stage 3- updated developed design) of the City Surveyor, the Commissioner of the City of London Police and the Chamberlain concerning the use of London Wall Car park as part of the Police Accommodation Strategy.

 

The Committee supported a recommendation of its Resource Allocation Sub-Committee that the report be deferred for further consideration.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

30.

Gateway 3/5 - Police Accommodation Strategy: Enabling Works

Joint report of the City Surveyor, Chamberlain and Commissioner of City Police.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 30.

Minutes:

The Committee considered and agreed a joint combined gateway report of the City Surveyor, the Commissioner of the City of London Police and the Chamberlain concerning enabling works required as part of the Police Accommodation Strategy.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

31.

Gateway 4c - Central Criminal Court Plant Replacement: Phase 3

Report of the City Surveyor.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 31.

Minutes:

The Committee considered and agreed a gateway 4c report (detailed design works) of the City Surveyor concerning the Central Criminal Court plant replacement project.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

32.

Gateway 6 Issues Report - Police Accommodation Strategy: Decant - CoLP Decant Logistics / Move Partner

Report of the Commissioner of City of London Police.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 32.

Minutes:

The Committee considered and agreed a report of the Commissioner of the City of London Police (CoLP) concerning the progress of the decanting arrangements required as part of the Police Accommodation Strategy.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

33.

Review of Completed Invest to Save/Income Generating projects

Joint report of the Town Clerk and Chamberlain.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 33.

Minutes:

The Committee considered and agreed a joint report of the Town Clerk and Chamberlain on the outcome of a review of the completed invest to save/incoming generating projects gateway 4c report (detailed design works) of the City Surveyor concerning the Central Criminal Court plant replacement project.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

34.

Gateway 3/4 - Security Programme

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 34.

Minutes:

The Committee considered and agreed a progress report of the City Surveyor on the Security Programme.

 

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

35.

QUESTIONS ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE

Minutes:

There were no questions.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

36.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT THE CHAIRMAN CONSIDERS URGENT AND WHICH THE COMMITTEE AGREE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHILST THE PUBLIC ARE EXCLUDED.

Minutes:

There were no urgent items.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.