Agenda item

Publicity of City Charitable Activities

John Scott asked a question of the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee regarding the publicity surrounding the City Corporation’s charitable activities.

In response, the Chairman outlined previous and ongoing collaboration with the Evening Standard and others to publicise charitable activities, whilst also highlighting the positive efforts being made to promote and deliver positive outcomes in London’s most disadvantaged communities through charitable and strategic activities. The Chairman also emphasised that the publicity of charitable activities should be only of secondary concern compared to enriching the lives of others and learning to maximise the impact of such efforts.

Replying to a supplementary question from Mr Scott concerning the involvement of the City’s cultural institutions in such activities, the Chairman agreed that it would be important to maximise the exposure of people to these institutions and highlight the arts offerings available within the City. He drew particular reference to ongoing work with schools with Deputy Catherine McGuinness, the Chairman of the Education Board, taking the opportunity to reference the City’s new School Visits Fund, which was set to be launched in November and would subsidise school visits to City cultural institutions. During his response, the Chairman also acknowledged an observation from Ann Pembroke that the City was one of the nation’s biggest contributors to the arts.

Paternoster Square and Highway Designation

Michael Hudson asked a question of the Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee concerning Paternoster Square and its prospective designation as City Highway.

In response, the Chairman confirmed that a report on this matter would be considered at the November meeting of the Planning and Transportation Committee.

Assisting Refugees

The Revd. William Campbell-Taylor asked a question of the Chairman of Community and Children’s Services Committee concerning the City Corporation’s role in assisting refugees.

In response, the Deputy Chairman of the Community and Children’s Services Committee outlined the steps being taken to provide support for Syrian refugees and the contributions made by the Corporation to humanitarian efforts in the region.

Replying to a supplementary question from the Revd. Campbell-Taylor seeking clarity as to whether or not the City identified itself as a “City of Sanctuary”, the Deputy Chairman stated that it was not for him to comment on individual charities but highlighted the meaningful contributions the Corporation was making to pan-London efforts in assisting refugees.