Agenda and minutes

Venue: Guildhall

Contact: Sacha Than 

Items
No. Item

1.

Introduction of Newly Elected Alderman

Minutes:

The Chief Commoner welcomed the newly-elected Alderman for the Ward of Billingsgate, Bronek Masojada, to his first meeting of the Court of Common Council.

 

Alderman Masojada was heard in reply.

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2.

The new Chief Commoner to take his seat

Minutes:

Pursuant to the decision of the Court of 18 October 2019, the Lord Mayor invited Deputy Tom Hoffman M.B.E. to take up the office of Chief Commoner for the ensuing year.

 

The new Chief Commoner outlined his priorities for the forthcoming year, including assistance and support in respect of Members’ mental health and wellbeing, a focus on Members’ facilities, and outreach activities with the City’s family of schools.

 

Resolved unanimously – That this Honourable Court wishes to extend to

 

John George Stewart Scott JP

 

Its sincere gratitude for the manner in which he has undertaken the role of Chief Commoner over the past year.

 

As Chief Commoner, John’s year has been particularly distinguished by the efforts he has taken to engage with departments and stakeholders beyond the Guildhall Complex, both within and external to the City Corporation. His visits to the Cemetery and Crematorium, London Gateway, and the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre in particular formed part of a key initiative to ensure staff across the organisation were given the opportunity to meet with senior Members and feel connected.

 

John also celebrated the crucial work of our volunteers, hosting a reception in the Great Hall to thank 450 or so individuals for their invaluable efforts. This extremely popular and successful initiative will become an annual City event and is an example of the lasting legacy John’s year will have.

 

The work of the Chief Commoner is never ending, yet despite all the varied calls on his time, John has extremely ably and effectively represented Members’ interests during the year. He took a particular interest in the works required to the Guildhall Complex, engaging with officers on a regular basis with a view to remedying defects across the site, as well as giving much time to the improvement project to the cloakrooms

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3.

Apologies

Minutes:

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

 

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4.

Declarations by Members under the Code of Conduct in respect of any items on the agenda

Minutes:

There were none.

 

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5.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 267 KB

To agree the minutes of the meeting of the Court of Common Council held on 7 March 2019.

 

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Minutes:

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

 

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6.

Resolutions on Retirements, Congratulatory Resolutions, Memorials.

Minutes:

Resolved unanimously – That the gratitude of this Court be extended to:-

 

Sir Mark John Boleat

 

him for his tireless dedication and outstanding service to the Ward of Cordwainer, the City Corporation, and the City of London over the past seventeen years.

 

Elected to the Court of Common Council in 2002, Mark quickly became a prominent Member of the Court. His background working for major national, European, and international trade associations proved immeasurably valuable to the City Corporation over the years and the City benefited greatly from his wealth of knowledge and experience.

 

Mark will be particularly remembered for his time as Chairman of Markets, during which he successfully led the difficult negotiations associated with working practices at Billingsgate markets, and of course for his Chairmanship of the Policy and Resources Committee. It’s difficult to overstate the dedication and energy he committed to the organisation, managing what is, in practice, a full-time role with good humour and enthusiasm, whilst also bringing a real clarity of direction and purpose to the City of London Corporation and its strategic and policy direction.

 

Mark’s achievements during his time at the City Corporation will have long-lasting effects for London and the country. From the commitment to build 3,700 new homes for Londoners by 2025, to the creation of the Cultural Hub in the west of the City, his prominent focus on social mobility, and the work to diversify London’s financial and business offering – there is much for both Mark and the Court to look back on and celebrate, and for us to be thankful to him for. The many ways in which Mark contributed were rightly recognised when he was awarded a knighthood in 2017, for services to the financial services industry and local government in London.

 

Given the changing position in which

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7.

Mayoral Visits

The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor to report on his recent overseas visits.

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

Minutes:

The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor reported on his recent visits to China, Qatar and Turkey.

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8.

Policy Statement

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

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

Minutes:

There was no statement.

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9.

Docquets for the Hospital Seal.

Minutes:

There were no docquets to be sealed.

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10.

The Freedom of the City pdf icon PDF 104 KB

To consider a circulated list of applications for the Freedom of the City.

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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:-

 

Vanessa Ann  Silcock

a Tourist Guide

Hambledon, Hampshire

Brigadier David Robert Chaundler, OBE

Citizen and Broderer

 

Roger William Sanders, OBE

 

Citizen and Broderer

 

Christopher John  Cheetham 

a Head of Marketing

Warwick, Warwickshire

Peter Leonard  Spalding 

Citizen and Loriner

 

Edward Clarence Newman

                                                                   

Citizen and Loriner

 

Gareth Edward Davis

a Regular Army Warrant Officer

Aldershot, Hampshire

Mark John Herbage

Citizen and Cook

 

Alan Roy Willis

 

Citizen and Baker

 

Gillian  Anklesaria 

a Personal Assistant

Epsom, Surrey

Terry Withers 

Citizen and Constructor

 

Evelyn Elizabeth Guest 

 

Citizen and Educator

 

Heroise Ratan Anklesaria 

an Architects Company Director

Epsom, Surrey

Evelyn Elizabeth Guest 

Citizen and Educator

 

Terry Withers 

 

Citizen and Constructor

 

Jason Theo George  Charalambous

a Solicitor-Advocate

Barnet, Hertfordshire

Sir Michael Bear, Kt.

Citizen and Pavior

 

Lady Barbara Anne Bear

 

Citizen and Musician

 

Bridgett Bardwell 

a Local Government Officer

Poplar, London

David Andrew Harry McGregor Smith, CBE

Citizen and Cook

 

Jonathan Martin Averns

 

Citizen and Fletcher

 

Stephen Reginald Owen  Ashby 

a Toastmaster

Westcliff On Sea, Essex

Jasdev Singh Rehncy

Citizen and Mason

 

Hilary Miller 

 

Citizen and Glover

 

 

Birthe King

an Office Manager, retired

Finchley, London

John George Stewart Scott, JP, CC

Citizen and Arts Scholar

 

Margaret Claire Scott

Citizen and Stationer & Newspapermaker

 

 

Nargis Khanum  Khan, OBE

a Charity Director

Hackney, London

Anne Helen Fairweather, CC

Citizen and Common Councilman

 

Tijs Broeke, CC

 

Citizen and Common Councilman

 

Frazer Charles  Lewis

an Insurance Company Director

Worcester, Worcestershire

Frederick Joseph Trowman

Citizen and Loriner

 

David Robert Boston

Citizen and Gold & Silver Wyre Drawer

 

 

Claire Louise Catling 

a Chartered Accountant

Weybridge, Surrey

William Smith

Citizen and Actuary

 

Charles Corry Gotto

Citizen and Broderer

 

 

Alan Ford Gilbertson 

an

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11.

Legislation pdf icon PDF 55 KB

To receive a report setting out measures introduced into Parliament which may have an effect on the services provided by the City Corporation.

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Minutes:

The Court received a report on measures introduced by Parliament which might have an effect on the services provided by the City Corporation as follows:-

 

Statutory Instruments

 

The Non-Domestic Rating (Rates Retention and Levy and Safety Net) (Amendment) and (Levy Account: Basis of Distribution) Regulations 2019 S.I. No. 709

The Regulations make changes to the operation of the business rates retention scheme to provide for the retention of 75% of business rates. The Regulations apply to the Court of Common Council in its capacity as a local authority.

 

A considerable number of statutory instruments have been made which relate to the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. These SIs make technical changes to update English law as a consequence of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Subject matters include financial services, data protection, agriculture, animal products, food and customs.

Date in force

 

28March 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(The text of the measures and the explanatory notes may be obtained from the Remembrancer’s Office.)

 

Read.

 

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12.

Ballot Results

The Town Clerk to report the outcome of the ballot taken at the last Court:

Where appropriate:-

 *   denotes a Member standing for re-appointment;

¬ denotes appointed.

 

Three Members to The Honourable The Irish Society.

 

 

Votes

*Roger Arthur Holden Chadwick, O.B.E., Deputy

45

*Simon D’Olier Duckworth, O.B.E., D.L.

65¬

*James Henry George Pollard, Deputy

79¬

Philip John Woodhouse, Deputy

63¬

 

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Minutes:

The Town Clerk reported the result of the ballot taken at the last Court, as follows:-

 

Three Members to The Honourable The Irish Society.

 

 

Votes

Roger Arthur Holden Chadwick, O.B.E., Deputy

-

45

Simon D’Olier Duckworth, O.B.E., D.L.

-

65

James Henry George Pollard, Deputy

-

79

Philip John Woodhouse, Deputy

-

63

 

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Simon Duckworth, Deputy Henry Pollard and Deputy Philip Woodhouse to be appointed to The Honourable The Irish Society.

 

 

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

13.

Appointment of Committees pdf icon PDF 327 KB

To appoint the Committees until the first meeting of the Court in April 2020 and to agree the terms of reference and constitution for each Committee.

 

(A list of the proposed appointments, terms of reference including proposed amendments, and constitutions has been separately circulated).

 

(Unless otherwise stated the requirement for certain Committees to have a Member with fewer than five or ten years’ service on the Court, at the time of their appointment, is fulfilled by the existing membership).

 

(Supporting statements in respect of the contested vacancies outlined below are set out immediately following the White Paper, at pages 85 to 96).

 

Nominations received for vacancies of varying terms:-

 

Where appropriate:-

* denotes a Member standing for re-appointment;

# denotes a Member with fewer than five years’ service on the Court;

^ denotes a Member who currently serves on the Committee in either an ex-officio capacity or as a representative of another Committee with appointment rights.

 

To consider the following appointments:

 

(A)          Policy and Resources Committee (five vacancies).

(Contest)

Nominations received:-

David John Bradshaw, Deputy

*Henry Nicholas Almroth Colthurst

Karina Dostalova

Kevin Malcolm Everett, Deputy

Anne Helen Fairweather

Shravan Jashvantrai Joshi

Angus Knowles-Cutler

*Charles Edward Lord, O.B.E., J.P., Deputy

Wendy Mead, O.B.E.

Ruby Sayed

James Michael Douglas Thomson, Deputy

*John Tomlinson, Deputy

James Richard Tumbridge

 

(B)         Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee (one vacancy).

(Contest)

Nominations received:-

*Karina Dostalova

Jeremy Lewis Simons

 

(C)         Outside Bodies Sub (Policy and Resources) Committee (one vacancy).

(No contest)

Nominations received:-

*Jeremy Lewis Simons

 

(D)         Capital Buildings Committee (one vacancy).

(No contest)

Nominations received:-

*Ian David Luder, J.P., Alderman

 

(E)         Investment Committee (four vacancies).

(Contest)

Nominations received:-

^Christopher Paul Boden

*Henry Nicholas Almroth Colthurst

^Alison Jane Gowman, Alderman

^Michael Hudson

Robert Charles Hughes-Penney, Alderman

*James de Sausmarez

*Philip John Woodhouse, Deputy

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Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Court proceeded to make the annual appointment of Committees. Members received an addendum to the report, highlighting those amendments required to the White Paper since its publication with the agenda.

 

The Chairman of the Markets Committee, James Tumbridge, spoke to express his concern in respect of the proposed amendment to the Markets Committee’s terms of reference, where the Policy and Resources Committee was recommending the deletion of the words “provision and” under section 4, sub-section (b). He suggested that the proposed deletion would remove the Markets Committee’s direct engagement with the Markets Consolidation Programme and argued that the change was unnecessary in ensuring that the Policy and Resources Committee retained primacy in respect of decision-making on this matter.

 

Amendment – That the proposed deletion of the words “provision and” from the terms of reference of the Markets Committee be omitted and that the terms of reference remain, therefore, unchanged from the previous year.

 

Michael Hudson spoke in support of James Tumbridge’s proposed amendment, suggesting that the change as proposed in the White Paper would have the unintended consequence of removing responsibility for the provision of the existing markets from the Markets Committee. Whilst accepting that an amendment of some sort to the terms of reference was likely required, he argued that time should be taken to consider drafting and revised ones put forward next year.

 

Members proceeded to debate the proposed amendment, with a number of Members speaking in support and a number speaking in opposition.

 

The Deputy Chairman of Policy and Resources clarified the genesis of the proposed change, which had emerged from some concerns expressed in relation to a lack of clarity on the role of the Markets Committee in respect of the Markets Consolidation Programme. He observed that the proposed amendment was to delete two words

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

14.

Appointments to Vacancies on Ward Committees

To appoint vacancies on Ward Committees (where not all places on Ward Committees are filled by Wards, vacancies can be filled by Members of the Court),

viz.:-

 

(A)      Culture, Heritage & Libraries Committee (one vacancy).

(No contest)

Nominations received:-

*Mary Durcan

 

(B)      Community & Children’s Services Committee (ten vacancies).

(No contest)

Nominations received:-

*Mary Durcan

*David Andrew Graves, Alderman

*Catherine McGuinness, Deputy

*Henrika Johanna Sofia Priest

*Barbara Patricia Newman, C.B.E.

*Jason Paul Pritchard

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

Minutes:

The Court proceeded to consider appointments to vacancies on Ward Committees.

 

(A) Culture, Heritage & Libraries Committee (one vacancy).

(No contest)

Nominations received:-

*Mary Durcan

 

Read.

 

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Mary Durcan to be appointed to the Culture, Heritage & Libraries Committee.

 

(B) Community & Children’s Services Committee (ten vacancies).

(No contest)

Nominations received:-

*Mary Durcan

*David Andrew Graves, Alderman

*Catherine McGuinness, Deputy

*Henrika Johanna Sofia Priest

*Barbara Patricia Newman, C.B.E.

*Jason Paul Pritchard

 

Read.

 

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Mary Durcan, Alderman David Graves, Deputy Catherine McGuinness, Henrika Priest, Barbara Newman, and Jason Pritchard.

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15.

Questions

Minutes:

Drug Use in the City

Dhruv Patel asked a question of the Deputy Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee concerning the City Corporation’s efforts to address the demand side of the drug use in the City.

 

Responding, the Deputy Chairman noted that this activity necessarily involved co-ordinated activity with a number of different bodies, both internally and externally, across the areas of outreach, engagement with City businesses, education, public and mental health, grants and commissioning.

 

In particular, he outlined the significant volume of targeted work in partnership with businesses to challenge, prevent and address substance misuse amongst the City’s diverse worker population. The aim of this activity was to establish models of intervention that could assist businesses and employees across London and the United Kingdom facing similar complex challenges. Specific reference was made to the “Business Healthy” initiative, which provided City employers with free support to promote better health and wellbeing for their staff. Businesses were also encouraged to share best practice with each other on a range of issues including emotional wellbeing, mental health, alcohol and substance misuse. As part of the City’s ongoing commitment, from 1 May 2019 it would also be funding a new Public Health project to develop additional programmes to support employers in identifying and tackling substance misuse within their firms.

 

Significant activity with the City of London Police, through the drug risk reduction strategy, was also outlined; as were services being funded through The City Bridge Trust.

 

In closing, the Deputy Chairman recognised the cross-cutting nature of drug crime and expressed his hope that the response provided a flavour of the wide range of activities the City Corporation was pursuing to tackle this very serious, but also very complex issue.

 

Responding to a supplementary question from John Fletcher regarding importance of drug users

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16.

Motions

Minutes:

There were no Motions.

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17.

Petitions pdf icon PDF 56 KB

To receive a petition submitted by Graeme Harrower pursuant to Standing Order No.20, relative to the City Corporation’s Standards Regime.

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

Minutes:

The Court received a petition submitted by Graeme Harrower relative to the City Corporation’s standards regime.

 

Resolved – That the petition be referred to the Standards Committee for consideration.

 

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18.

Awards and Prizes

Minutes:

19.

Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee pdf icon PDF 107 KB

To consider several recommendations concerning the provision of hospitality.

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Minutes:

HOSPITALITY WORKING PARTY OF THE POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

 

(John George Stewart Scott, J.P., Chief Commoner)

26 March 2019

Applications for Hospitality

 

(a)          (A) Pride Flag Raising

The 2019 Pride in London Parade was to take place on Saturday 6th July.  As in previous years, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport’s advice to Government Departments was for the Rainbow Flag to be flown for a week, this year from 1st July until sundown on 6th July.

 

It was proposed that the Pride Flag fly at Guildhall in line with Government advice and that the City Corporation host a flag raising in Guildhall Yard followed by an early evening reception in the Crypts. The event would provide an opportunity for the City Corporation to show its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion both internally and more widely across the City.

 

It was recommended that hospitality be granted for an early evening reception and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash within agreed parameters. 

 

The host element would be Hospitality Working Party, Establishment Committee and Members with relevant interests.

 

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for an early evening reception and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash within agreed parameters. 

 

(b)      (B) 200th Anniversary of the Foundation of Singapore

In June 2019, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, was due in the UK for an official visit to mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of Singapore by Sir Stamford Raffles. 

 

It was proposed that the City Corporation host a business conference followed by a lunchtime reception to mark this anniversary, with the

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

20.

Establishment Committee pdf icon PDF 61 KB

To consider amendments to the Protocol on Member/Officer Relations.

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Additional documents:

Minutes:

Establishment Committee

 

(Charles Edward Lord, O.B.E., J.P., Deputy)

26 February 2019

Amendment to Protocol on Member/Officer Relations

At its meeting of 25 January 2019, the Standards Committee recommended amending the Protocol on Member/Officer Relations to clarify dispute procedures available to an Officer who might be dissatisfied with the conduct or behaviour of a Member. The revised wording also acknowledged that the Aldermanic Chairmen perform a similar role to the Chief Commoner in relation to the welfare and conduct of Aldermen.

 

The Establishment Committee subsequently considered these amendments at its meeting of 26 February 2019 and agreed to the proposed changes for subsequent approval by Members of the Court of Common Council.

 

Resolved – That the amendments to the Protocol on Member/Officer Relations be approved as set out in the report.

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21.

Education Board pdf icon PDF 67 KB

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

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Minutes:

Education Board

 

(Henry Nicholas Almroth Colthurst)

14 March 2019

Appointment of Governor to Prior Weston Primary 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.

 

Consideration had recently been given to one of these vacancies and the Education Board accordingly recommended that the Court of Common Council grant approval to the reappointment of Jeremy Mayhew to the Board of Governors of Prior Weston Primary School.

 

Resolved – That Jeremy Mayhew be appointed to the Board of Governors of Prior Weston Primary School for a term of four years, expiring on 24 April 2023.

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

22.

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 Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

 

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

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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23.

Non-Public Minutes

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting of the Court held on 7 March 2019.

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

Minutes:

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

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

24.

Policy and Resources Committee

To consider proposals relating to the Markets Consolidation Programme.

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

Minutes:

Policy and Resources Committee

The Court approved proposals relating to the Markets Consolidation Programme.

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

25.

Capital Buildings and Policy and Resources Committees

To receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the Police Accommodation Strategy and the associated budgets.

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

Minutes:

Capital Buildings and Policy and Resources Committees

The Court noted action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the police accommodation strategy and associated budgets.

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

26.

Finance Committee

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

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

Minutes:

Finance Committee

The Court:-

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26a

Museum of London Pay Award

(A)Museum of London Pay Award – to consider the annual pay award for Museum of London staff.

For Decision

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Minutes:

a)    approved the annual pay award to Museum of London staff.

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26b

Report of Urgent Action Taken: Borrowing arrangements

(B)      Report of Urgent Action Taken: Borrowing Arrangements – to receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to borrowing arrangements.

For Decision

 

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

Minutes:

b) noted action taken under urgency procedures in relation to borrowing arrangements.

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

27.

Police and Finance Committees

To consider proposals relating to the award of a contract.

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

Minutes:

Police and Finance Committees

The Court approved proposals relating to the award of a contract.

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

28.

Community & Children's Services Committee

To consider proposals relative to a major project.

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

Minutes:

Community & Children’s Services Committee

The Court approved proposals relative to a major refurbishment project.

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

29.

Property Investment Board

To receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the refurbishment of a property.

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

Minutes:

Property Investment Board

The Court noted action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the refurbishment of a property.

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