Venue: https://youtu.be/QZgczHR_XaE
Contact: Gregory Moore
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Apologies Minutes: The apologies of those Members unable to attend this meeting of the Court were noted. |
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Declarations by Members under the Code of Conduct in respect of any items on the agenda Minutes: There were no additional declarations. |
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To agree the minutes of the meeting of the Court of Common Council held on 18 June 2020.
Minutes: Resolved – That the minutes of the last Court are correctly recorded, subject to the following amendments:- · page 8, third paragraph, the words “the past twelve months” be deleted and replaced with “2018/19” · page 8, third paragraph, the words “officers or other external parties” be deleted and replaced with the words “another local authority”. |
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Resolutions on Retirements, Congratulatory Resolutions, Memorials. Minutes: There were no resolutions. |
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Mayoral Visits The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor to report on his recent overseas visits. Minutes: The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor took the opportunity to update the Court on his virtual engagement programme. |
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Policy Statement To receive a statement from the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee. Minutes: There was no statement. |
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Docquets for the Hospital Seal. Minutes: There were no docquets for the seal. |
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The Freedom of the City PDF 193 KB To consider a circulated list of applications for the Freedom of the City. 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:-
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To receive a report setting out measures introduced into Parliament which may have an effect on the services provided by the City Corporation. Minutes: The Court received a report on measure introduced by Parliament which might have an effect on the services provided by the City Corporation as follows:-
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Appointment of Committees PDF 819 KB To appoint the Committees until the first meeting of the Court in April 2021 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 69 to 86).
(Where vacancies are contested, ballot papers have been circulated electronically for completion by 12noon on Wednesday 15 July. The results of these indicative ballots will be made known to the Court and recommendations for appointment put for approval at the meeting accordingly).
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 whose primary residence is in the City; ^ 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:- Rehana Banu Ameer Deputy David John Bradshaw *Simon D’Olier Duckworth, O.B.E., D.L. *Marianne Bernadette Fredericks Tracey Graham Paul Nicholas Martinelli *Deputy Catherine McGuinness Andrien Gereith Dominic Meyers Ruby Sayed *Deputy Dr Giles Robert Evelyn Shilson *Deputy Tom Sleigh
(B) Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee (one vacancy). (Contest) Nominations received:- Tijs Broeke *Simon D’Olier Duckworth, O.B.E., D.L. Jeremy Lewis Simons Deputy Philip Woodhouse
(C) Members’ Privileges Sub (Policy and Resources) Committee (two vacancies). Additional documents:
Minutes: The Court proceeded to make the annual appointment of Committees. An addendum to the report, highlighting those amendments required to the White Paper caused by changes since its publication with the agenda, had also been circulated. This addendum also set out the results of the indicative ballots undertaken in advance of the Court meeting, in respect of contested vacancies.
Resolved – That the several Committees as set out in the White Paper be appointed until the first meeting of the Court in April 2021, and that the terms of reference and constitutions be also approved.
The Court subsequently proceeded to make the following appointments, in respect of which the Town Clerk reported that the following nominations had been received:-
Nominations received for vacancies of varying terms:- Where appropriate:- * denotes a Member standing for re-appointment; ^ 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.
(A) Policy and Resources Committee (five vacancies). (Contest) Nominations received:- Rehana Banu Ameer Deputy David John Bradshaw *Simon D’Olier Duckworth, O.B.E., D.L. *Marianne Bernadette Fredericks Tracey Graham Paul Nicholas Martinelli *Deputy Catherine McGuinness Andrien Gereith Dominic Meyers Ruby Sayed *Deputy Dr Giles Robert Evelyn Shilson *Deputy Tom Sleigh
Read.
Resolved – That, in accordance with the outcomes of the indicative ballot process, the appointment to the Policy and Resources Committee of Deputy Catherine McGuinness, Andrien Meyers, Marianne Fredericks, Deputy Tom Sleigh, and Rehana Ameer, for four-year terms, be confirmed.
(B) Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee (one vacancy). (Contest) Nominations received:- Tijs Broeke *Simon D’Olier Duckworth, O.B.E., D.L. Jeremy Lewis Simons Deputy Philip Woodhouse
Read. Resolved – That, in accordance with the outcomes of the indicative ballot process, the appointment to the Hospitality Working Party of |
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Appointments to Outside Bodies To consider the following appointments: Where appropriate:- * denotes a Member standing for re-appointment.
(A) Three Members on Christ’s Hospital, for varying terms. Nominations received:- John George Stewart Scott, J.P.
(B) One Member on the Mitchell City of London Charity and Educational Foundation, for a term expiring in March 2025. Nominations received:- Henry Nicholas Almroth Colthurst
(C) One Member on the London Road Safety Council, for a four-year term expiring in May 2024. Nominations received:- *Alderman Alison Gowman
(D) One Member on the Richard Reeve's Foundation, for a four-year term expiring in May 2024. Nominations received:- *Michael Hudson
(E) One Member on the East London NHS Foundation Trust, for a three-year term expiring in May 2023. Nominations received:- *Rehana Banu Ameer
(F) One Member on Thames 21, for a three-year term expiring in May 2023. Nominations received:- John Ernest Edwards Andrew Stratton McMurtrie, J.P. Minutes: The Court proceeded to consider appointments to the following Outside Bodies:-
Where appropriate:- * denotes a Member standing for re-appointment.
(A) Three Members on Christ’s Hospital, for varying terms. Nominations received:- John George Stewart Scott, J.P.
Read.
Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared John Scott to be appointed to Christ’s Hospital for a four-year term.
(B) One Member on the Mitchell City of London Charity and Educational Foundation, for a term expiring in March 2025. Nominations received:- Henry Nicholas Almroth Colthurst
Read.
Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Henry Colthurst to be appointed to the Mitchell City of London Charity and Educational Foundation, for a five-year term.
(C) One Member on the London Road Safety Council, for a four-year term expiring in May 2024.
Nominations received:- *Alderman Alison Gowman
Read.
Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Alderman Alison Gowman to be appointed to the London Road Safety Council, for a four-year term.
(D) One Member on the Richard Reeve's Foundation, for a four-year term expiring in May 2024. Nominations received:- *Michael Hudson
Read.
Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Michael Hudson to be appointed to the Richard Reeve’s Foundation, for a four-year term.
(E) One Member on the East London NHS Foundation Trust, for a three-year term expiring in May 2023. Nominations received:- *Rehana Banu Ameer
Read.
Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Rehana Ameer to be appointed to the East London Foundation NHS Trust, for a three-year term.
(F) One Member on Thames 21, for a three-year term expiring in May 2023. Nominations received:- John Ernest Edwards Andrew Stratton McMurtrie, J.P.
Read.
Resolved – That, in accordance with the outcomes of the indicative ballot process, the appointment to Thames 21 of Andrew McMurtrie, for a three-year term, be confirmed. |
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Questions Minutes: Middlesex Street Estate Car Park: Ventilation System Issues John Fletcher asked a question of the Chair of the Community & Children’s Services Committee in relation to noise and air quality concerns related to a new ventilation system at the Middlesex Street Estate car park.
Replying, the Chair advised the old ventilation system in the basement car park had reached the end of its functional life and replacement was required. The new system had been designed and installed to comply with Building Regulations and to suit the specific requirements of the basement car park. Unfortunately, since installation, there had been several occasions where the fire alarm in the basement car park had been activated, causing the new extraction system to commence at its highest level. These false alarms had been caused by a combination of factors, including faulty detectors and vandalism, and activity was underway to ensure the number of false alarms was minimised, whilst still maintaining fire safety.
The Chair outlined steps taken to address residents’ concerns, including practical demonstrations and an independent air quality assessment; however, he accepted that communications with residents on this project should have been better from the outset. Further action was, therefore, being taken to recover the position, including the circulation of written apologies and information to all residents and a further practical demonstration for designated local community representatives.
With reference to a related query concerning car park income, the Chair clarified that the whole of the Middlesex Street Estate, including the car park, was an asset of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). By law, the HRA was ringfenced and any income derived from HRA assets could only be used for the purpose of those assets. Income received across all thirteen City housing estates went to the HRA and specific income streams were not reserved for |
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Motions Minutes: There were no motions. |
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Awards and Prizes Minutes: There was no report. |
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Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee PDF 136 KB To consider recommendations concerning the provision of hospitality. Minutes: (Deputy Brian Desmond Francis Mooney, Chief Commoner) 23 June 2020 Applications for Hospitality
(a) Thames Estuary Partnership Reception It was proposed that the City Corporation hosts an early evening reception on 18th November 2020 for the Thames Estuary Partnership. Thames Estuary Partnership is a charity seeking to protect and maintain the coastal, environmental and natural heritage of the River Thames for the public benefit. The event would take place in a manner that is consistent with any COVID-related restrictions that may be in place.
It was recommended that hospitality be granted for an early evening reception and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Port Health & Environmental Services Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash within agreed parameters.
Resolved – That hospitality be granted for an early evening reception and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Port Health & Environmental Services Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash within agreed parameters.
(b) 200th Anniversary of the death of John Keats – lecture and reception It was proposed that the City Corporation hosts a lecture followed by an early evening reception and small dinner on 23rd February 2021 to mark the 200th anniversary of the death of John Keats. Professor Nicholas Rowe, Professor of English Literature at the University of St Andrew’s and also Chairman of the Keats Foundation, would give a lecture on the life and works of John Keats, in recognition of Keats’ connection to the City.
It was recommended that hospitality be granted for a lecture, early evening reception and small dinner 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.
Resolved – That hospitality be granted for a lecture, early |
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Police Authority Board PDF 74 KB To receive the annual report on the the achievements of the City of London Police for the past financial year.
Additional documents: Minutes: (Deputy James Michael Douglas Thomson) 2 July 2020 City of London Police: Annual Report 2019/20 The Annual Report, representing the achievements of the City of London Police for the past financial year, had been approved by the Police Authority Board and was now submitted to the Court for information. The report contained information on crime, financial, and staff statistics, as well as a summary of the year.
The Deputy Chairman spoke to introduce the report and provide additional commentary on the challenges and achievements of the year.
Resolved – That the report be received and its content noted. |
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Standards Committee To consider reports of the Standards Committee, as follows:- Minutes: |
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Appointment of Independent Persons PDF 136 KB (A)Appointment of independent Persons – to consider the appointment of Independent Persons to the Committee, in accordance with Section 28 of the Localism Act 2011. For Decision Minutes: (Ann Holmes) 1 May 2020 (A) Appointment of Independent Persons The Standards Committee currently comprises seventeen Members, five of whom are co-opted. Under section 28 of the Localism Act 2011, local authorities must also appoint at least one “Independent Person” to participate in the arrangements a local authority must put in place to consider and determine complaints made against a member in relation to its Code of Conduct. The Court was now recommended to approve the appointment of two Independent Persons to the Committee, following an interview process undertaken by a selection panel.
The Town Clerk spoke to correct an error in the report which suggested a formal ballot was required, confirming that the approval of the Court in the usual way was sufficient.
Resolved – That Ms Amanda Orchard and Mr Gary Rogers be appointed as Independent Members of the Standards Committee.
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Update to the Code of Conduct PDF 143 KB (B) Update to the Code of Conduct – To consider amendments to the Member Code of Conduct. For Decision
Additional documents: Minutes: (B)Update to the Code of Conduct At its meeting on 5 December 2019, the Court had approved that the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism, including the agreed working examples should be adopted the City Corporation and that this definition and working examples should also be included within both the Members’ and Officers’ Code of Conduct. The Standards Committee had since actioned this with regard to the Members’ Code of Conduct, where the IHRA definition was now referenced within the body of the document with full details included as a separate appendix.
Further to this, and in considering Best Practice Recommendations from the Committee for Standards in Public Life at their meeting on 24 January 2020, the Standards Committee was also recommending to amend further the Members’ Code of Conduct to include definitions of the terms bullying and harassment, together with a list of examples of the sorts of behaviour covered by these definitions. Again, it was proposed that this be referenced both within the body of the main document and in greater detail in a separate appendix.
Introducing the item, the Acting Chair spoke to acknowledge concerns that had been raised with reference to the particular wording of the new “working examples” proposed and, in particular, the potential of this wording for confusion or misunderstanding associated with the second, third, sixth and ninth examples listed. The Acting Chair advised that she would not wish to proceed with the working examples in the face of Member disquiet, particularly as this model Code was to undergo further work later that year in any event. Accordingly, she sought and obtained the leave of the Court to withdraw these examples for further consideration.
The Acting Chair of the Standards Committee was aware of some concern on various working examples of |
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(C) Annual Report – To receive the annual report providing a summary of the Standards Committee’s activities over the year. For Information Minutes: (C)Annual Report The Court received the annual report of the Standards Committee, which was required to prepare an annual update on its activity. The report covered the May 2019 to May 2020 period, during which period eight alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct were considered.
In response to a query it was agreed that, subject to confirmation that such an amendment be factually correct, the case summary for Matter No. 01-18 be amended to read The Hearing found against the subject Member on the second and third alleged breaches of the Code.
In response to a question, the Acting Chair agreed to consult with the City Remembrancer and provide a response outside of the meeting regarding progress towards seeking a repeal of s618 of the Housing Act 1985.
Resolved – That the report be received. |
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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.
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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Non-Public Minutes To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting of the Court held on 18 June 2020. Minutes: Resolved – That the non-public Minutes of the last Court are correctly recorded.
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Policy and Resources Committee To consider proposals relating to the Markets Consolidation Programme. Minutes: Policy and Resources Committee The Court approved proposals relating to the Markets Consolidation Programme. |
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Property Investment Board To receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the refurbishment of a property. Minutes: Property Investment Board The Court noted action taken under urgency procedures concerning the refurbishment of a property. |