Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Nicholas Bensted-Smith, Recorder Nicholas Hilliard and Alderman Alison Gowman.

John Scott and Edward Lord declared non-pecuniary interests, stating that they served as JPs in the City’s Courts.  Alderman and Sheriff Tim Hailes is also a JP but currently not sitting.

To agree the public minutes of the last meeting, held on 12 June 2017.

The Sub-Committee considered the public minutes of the last meeting, held on 12 June 2017.

Matters arising

A revised business plan was presented at item 4 on the agenda.

RESOLVED – That the minutes be approved.

Report of the Executive Director, Mansion House & Central Criminal Court

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Secondary of London which sought approval of the Business Plans for 2017-18 for the Central Criminal Court, with amendments since the last meeting on 12 June 2017.

Members noted that the plans would be consolidated and presented to the relevant Committees, in accordance with City of London Corporation procedure.

The Chairman asked for a work plan for the sub-committee, including items due to come on stream in future and the other committees which might also receive the reports.  Members noted that the plan would include key reports, such as the draft budgets for 2018/19, and ensure that decisions were taken by the appropriate committees/sub committees.  Members agreed that this approach would provide more focus on the role of the Courts Sub Committee.  (1)

RESOLVED – That the report be received and the revised high-level business plan for the Central Criminal Court be noted.

Report of the City Surveyor

The Sub-Committee received a report of the City Surveyor which updated Members on the Programme of Works on the City of London Magistrates’ Court.  Members noted that this report had also been presented to the Magistry Sub Committee earlier this week.

Members noted the following headlines in respect of: the Additional Works Programme (AWP) for 2016/17; the Cyclical Works Programme (CWP) for 2017/18; basement water ingress; exterior refurbishment programme (capital project); Additional HMCT works; feasibility into use of Magistrates’ Court and Funding. 

During the discussion and questions, the following points were noted:

• In respect of the new court in Castle Baynard Ward, which was now in the public domain, the Remembrancer advised that a feasibility study was being undertaken by the City Surveyor, Town Clerk and others, and the findings would be reported on at the relevant Committee(s), including the Courts Sub Committee.  Members noted that the estimated timeline for completion would be approximately 3 years and, therefore, the interim works set out in his report were necessary. (2)

• Officers reminded Members of the recent closures of the Camberwell and Hammersmith Magistrates’ Courts and the resultant increase in cases being heard at the City of London’s Magistrate’s Court.

• The Head of Operations for Mansion House and the Central Criminal Court agreed to check who was responsible for the Lord Mayor’s Plate and the Chief Magistrate’s Mace in Court 1. (3)

• The Sheriff explained that the Magistrates’ gowns were in poor condition, being 10 years old and, therefore, if this tradition were to be maintained, it would need to be funded the City of London Corporation.

• Members asked if a tour of the Old Bailey could be arranged. (4)

RESOLVED – That the report be received.

There were no questions.

There were no additional, urgent items of business for consideration.

MOTION - That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED - That under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

Item nos                     paragraph

9-12                             3

To agree the non-public minutes of the last meeting, held on 12 June 2017.

The Sub-Committee considered the non-public minutes of the last meeting, held on 12 June 2017.

RESOLVED – That the minutes be approved.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Sub Committee received a report of the Town Clerk advising Members of action taken under urgency powers by the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, in accordance with Standing Order No. 41(a), in respect of the Central Criminal Court, Refurbishment of Courts and Associated Jury Rooms.

RESOLVED – That the report be received.

Report of the City Surveyor

The Sub Committee considered a report of the City Surveyor that sought Members’ approval on Central Criminal Court Plant Replacement works.

RESOLVED – That the report be received and the recommendations be approved.

There was one question while the public were excluded.

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