Agenda item

Participation in Pride in London

Benjamin Murphy asked a question of the Chair of the Establishment Committee concerning the City Corporation’s future participation in Pride in London.

Responding, the Chair noted that this year had seen the City Corporation’s first formal involvement in the Pride in London parade, which had been funded through a contribution from the Establishment Committee’s contingency fund and delivered through the City Corporation’s LGBT+Staff Network. The Chair thanked all Members and Officers involved with the parade, adding that there was a renewed and improved focus on equalities and inclusion across the City Corporation. The Chair outlined the creation of the Diversity and Business Engagement Lead Officer post which would play a significant role in supporting the equalities and inclusion work taking place. The Chair also explained that it was hoped that the City Corporation would continue to support Pride in London, as well as other appropriate diversity events, on a regular and sustained basis.

In response to a supplementary question from Tijs Broeke concerning hospitality associated with diversity related events, the Chair explained that the hospitality budget and annual calendar of events were not within the gift of the Establishment Committee; but rather a matter for the Chief Commoner and the Hospitality Working Party. The Chair expressed his hope that Members’ comments would be taken into account when considering support for next years’ Pride Flag Raising ceremony.

Crossrail Delay

Deputy Brian Mooney asked a question of the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee concerning the recently-announced delay to the opening of Crossrail.

Replying, the Chairman explained that a letter had been received from Crossrail advising of the delay and this was available to Members should they wish to read it. The Chairman observed that, whilst the delay was disappointing, once open Crossrail would provide an enormous boost for the City and would play a significant part in supporting London and the UK as the pre-eminent place to conduct business. The Chairman added that there was always a risk of delays with large scale projects such as these and confirmed that the City Corporation would continue to work closely and collaboratively with Government, TfL and Crossrail to help achieve a launch date as quickly as possible.

Offences Brought to Court

Deputy Edward Lord asked a question of the Chairman of the Police Committee concerning the number of offences charged and brought to court in comparison with those dealt with by way of out of court disposals.

The Chairman, replying, advised that for the five-year period from January 2013 to December 2017 the number of out of court disposals had decreased. However, since monitoring began, the proportion of community resolutions within this category had more than trebled, displacing the use of cautions and warnings. The Chairman further advised that the number of crimes charged or summonsed over this period had also decreased.

Supporting Construction Workers

Judith Pleasance asked a question of the Chairman of the Community and Children’s Services Committee concerning the mental health of construction workers and the level of support provided from the construction companies.

Responding, the Chairman confirmed that the City Corporation was committed to improving the mental well-being of all people who lived and worked in the City, whatever the industry. He advised of various initiatives that had been launched, such as Business Healthy and the Dragon Café in Shoe Lane Library, to support mental health and wellbeing, as well as detailing the suicide prevention plan in place and the City Corporation’s latest plans to invest in street triage which will support people in a mental health crisis. The Chairman added that he and the Chairman of Planning and Transportation would liaise with colleagues within the public health team to identify developers working within the City, so as to highlight the issue and explore the actions which could be taken.