Agenda item

The Committee considered the following items of urgent business:-

Wendy Mead withdrew from the meeting whilst the following item was discussed.

Global Innovation and Enterprise Fair in Sichuan China – Visit by the Chief Commoner Elect

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Economic Development proposing the Chief Commoner Elect’s attendance at the Global Innovation and Enterprise Fair in Sichuan, China from 8-12 May 2017 following an invitation from the Mayor of Chengdu. It was noted that the cost was being met by the hosts.

Several Members expressed concern about the visit and were keen to ensure that the City Corporation was not committed to anything resulting from it.

Arguments were also advanced on:-

·          whether it was appropriate for the Chief Commoner Elect to attend the Fair;

·          the mechanism for approving invitations such as this in future; and

·          the repercussions of withdrawing attendance at this stage.

After further discussion, and on balance, the Committee supported the Chief Commoner Elect accepting the invitation to attend the Fair in Sichuan.

RESOLVED – that approval be given to the Chief Commoner Elect attending at the Global Innovation and Enterprise Fair in Sichuan, China from 8-12 May 2017.

Traffic Congestion

The Chairman advised that a small group of Members was being formed to act as an informal sounding board and assist in driving forward measures to address traffic congestion in the City. He stated that it was anticipated that the group would include the Chairmen of the relevant service committees. The Chairman of the Planning and Transportation added that congestion was a major issue which needed to be tackled with urgency and that he was therefore supportive of the creation of an informal sounding board.

During discussion Members expressed support for the proposal and reference was made to the importance of the group having a business focus and to the high level of pollution in London.

George Gillon

The Chairman advised that George Gillon had indicated that he did not intend to stand for re-election to the Court of Common Council and as a consequence this might be his last meeting of the Committee. The Chairman thanked Mr Gillon on behalf of the Committee for the contribution he had made to the work of the Committee and the City Corporation over the years. This was warmly endorsed by the Committee.