Agenda item

To consider several recommendations concerning the provision of hospitality.

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 6^th 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 1^st July until sundown on 6^th 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) 200^th 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 200^th 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 Deputy Prime Minister to be awarded the Freedom of the City.

 

It was recommended that hospitality be granted for a lunchtime reception for attendees at the business conference and a small lunch following the Deputy Prime Minister’s Freedom, with arrangements to be made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

 

The host element would be Policy and Resources Committee and Members with relevant business interests.

 

Resolved – That  hospitality be granted for a lunchtime reception for attendees at the business conference and a small lunch following the Deputy Prime Minister’s Freedom, with arrangements to be made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

 

(c)       (C) 125^th Anniversary of Tower Bridge

2019 marks the 125^th anniversary of Tower Bridge, one of five Thames bridges maintained and supported by Bridge House Estates and of particular importance given its status as a world-famous landmark.

 

It was proposed that the City Corporation host an early evening reception at Tower Bridge to mark the anniversary. The reception would provide an opportunity to demonstrate the City Corporation’s commitment to promoting London’s heritage, as well as raising awareness of the work of Bridge House Estates and City Bridge Trust.

 

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. 

 

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. 

 

(d)       (D) Illuminated River Project

Illuminated River is a project to light fifteen of central London’s bridges, from Albert Bridge to Tower Bridge.  The project was to be launched in July 2019 with the lighting of the first four bridges – London Bridge, Southwark Bridge, Cannon Street Railway Bridge and Millennium Bridge. The Illuminated River project has more than twenty partners and stakeholders, including the City Corporation which had provided a contribution towards initial funding of the project.

 

It was proposed that the City Corporation hosts an evening reception prior to the launch of the project and recommended that hospitality be granted accordingly, with arrangements made under the auspices of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the agreed parameters.

 

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for an early evening reception, with arrangements made under the auspices of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the agreed parameters.

 

(e)       (E) Industry and Parliament Trust Programme 2019

Engagement with parliamentarians within the Palace of Westminster is a valuable means of highlighting matters of interest to the City and its stakeholders. 

 

It was proposed that, in 2019, the City Corporation collaborate with the Industry and Parliament Trust on a series of six meetings.  Guests and speakers would include a City representative such as the Lord Mayor or Policy Chair, parliamentarians, policy makers and prominent business, academic and industry representatives.

 

It was recommended that hospitality be granted and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

 

Resolved – That hospitality be granted and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

 

(f)        (F) Greenwich+Docklands International Festival early evening reception

The Greenwich+Docklands International Festival is a free outdoor performing arts and theatre festival which takes place every June in Greenwich, Docklands and Tower Hamlets.

 

Forming part of the “Fantastic Feats: the Building of London” programme, this year the festival was to feature its first outdoor performance in Guildhall Yard. It was proposed that the City Corporation host an early evening reception ahead of the performance in Guildhall Yard. The reception would provide an opportunity to highlight the City Corporation’s involvement in the festival and showcase the City’s contribution to London’s cultural activities.

 

It was, therefore, recommended that hospitality be granted for an early evening reception and that arrangements are made under the auspices of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries 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 Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the agreed parameters. 

 

(g)       (G) Iftar following an interfaith group discussion at St Paul’s Cathedral

The Naz Legacy Foundation, a not for profit organisation that aims to promote excellence in education and positive integration, was planning an interfaith group discussion to take place at St Paul’s Cathedral on the evening of 7^th May.  The aim of the discussion would be to focus on London as a dynamic and multi-faith city.  The event was planned to take place during Ramadan and to conclude with an Iftar, the evening meal with which Muslims end the daily Ramadan fast.

 

It was proposed that the City Corporations hosts an Iftar in partnership with the Naz Legacy Foundation following the interfaith group discussion. 

 

It was, therefore, recommended that hospitality be granted for an Iftar following an interfaith group discussion at St Paul’s Cathedral and that arrangements are 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 an Iftar following an interfaith group discussion at St Paul’s Cathedral and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the agreed parameters.

 

(h)       (H) National Houses in Multiple Occupation Network Reception

The Department of Markets and Consumer Protection would be hosting a conference on 16^th May in collaboration with the National Houses in Multiple Occupation Network in the Livery Hall. The conference was to focus on new legislation, guidance and good practice affecting Houses in Multiple Occupation.

 

It was proposed that the City Corporation hosts an early evening reception at the conclusion of the conference.  The reception would provide an opportunity for the City Corporation to engage with representatives from across the UK and to highlight the work of the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee.

 

It was recommended that hospitality be granted for an early evening reception and that arrangements are made under the auspices of the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash within approved parameters.

 

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for an early evening reception and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

 

(i)        (I) Social Impact Investment Implementation Taskforce

In March 2018, the Prime Minister commissioned an industry taskforce, the Social Impact Investment Implementation Taskforce, to take forward proposals on social impact investing. It was proposed that the City Corporation host a panel discussion followed by a reception to mark the closing of the Social Impact Investment Implementation Taskforce. 

 

It was recommended that hospitality be granted for a panel discussion followed by a reception, and that arrangements are made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; costs to be met from City’s Cash within approved parameters.

 

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for a panel discussion followed by a reception, and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

 

(j)        (J) 125^th Anniversary of the Bar Council

The General Council of the Bar was founded in 1894 to represent barristers in England and Wales.  It aims to promote the Bar’s specialist advocacy and advisory services, fair access to justice and high standards of ethics, equality and diversity across the profession.

 

2019 additionally marks 100 years since the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919. The Act removed disqualification from any public office or any civil profession, including the legal profession, by reason of sex or marriage. 

 

It was proposed that the City Corporation host a lecture and question and answer session to mark the anniversary of the foundation of the Bar Council, followed by an early evening reception and a small private dinner. The lecture would be given by Lady Justice Heather Hallett, who was appointed the first female Chairman of the Bar Council in 1998 and was currently Vice President of the Court of Appeal Criminal Division. The event would present an opportunity to build on the relationship between the City Corporation and the legal profession.

 

It was recommended that hospitality be granted for a lecture, early evening reception and small dinner, with arrangements to be made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the agreed parameters.

 

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for a lecture, early evening reception and small dinner, with arrangements to be made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the agreed parameters.

 

(k)       (K) 25^th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women by the Church of England

2019 marked the 25^th anniversary of the first women being ordained as priests by the Church of England. Many events were to be held across the country to mark the anniversary of the ordination of women, including a reception at Lambeth Palace hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and a service at St Paul’s Cathedral due to take place in June.

 

It was proposed that, to mark this anniversary, the City Corporation hosts a keynote address and question and answer session with the Bishop of London, followed by an early evening reception and a small private dinner. The event would present an opportunity further to develop the City’s relationship with the Diocese of London and demonstrate the City Corporation’s commitment to promoting equality and diversity.

 

It is recommended that hospitality be granted for a keynote address, early evening reception and small dinner, and that arrangements are made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the agreed parameters.

 

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for a keynote address, early evening reception and small dinner, with arrangements to be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the agreed parameters.

 

(l)        (L) Report of Urgent Action Taken:  Let’s Talk exhibition and early evening reception

In accordance with Standing Order No. 19, urgent authority was sought to host an early evening reception to launch the Let’s Talk exhibition in Guildhall Yard. The exhibition was intended to encourage people to talk more openly about mental health through a combination of photography and illustration.

 

It was proposed that the City Corporation hosts an early evening reception to launch the exhibition, providing an opportunity to demonstrate the City Corporation’s commitment to promoting positive mental wellbeing, as well as raising awareness of factors affecting mental health. 

 

Following the decision of Hospitality Working Party on 28^th February, it became evident that waiting for a Court of Common Council decision on 25^th April would not allow sufficient time for arrangements to be put in place for this event.  Approval was therefore sought and obtained under urgency procedures and it was recommended that this urgent action be noted.

 

Resolved – That the action taken be noted.

 

(m)     (M) Report of Urgent Action Taken:  Fantastic Feats and the London Festival of Architecture launch and early evening reception

In accordance with Standing Order No. 19 urgent authority was sought for the City Corporation to co-host an early evening reception to launch “Fantastic Feats: the building of London” public events programme and the London Festival of Architecture.

 

This year the City Corporation will launch s entitled “Fantastic Feats: the Building of London”. The launch of Fantastic Feats coincides with the London Festival of Architecture, an annual month-long architectural festival taking place in June.  The Festival is the world’s largest annual architectural event.

 

It was proposed that the City Corporation co-host, with the London Festival of Architecture, a reception to launch Fantastic Feats - a major six-month programme of outdoor events – as well as the London Festival of Architecture, with which it would coincide.

 

Following the decision of Hospitality Working Party, it became evident that waiting for a Court of Common Council decision on 25^th April would not allow sufficient time for arrangements to be put in place for this event.  Approval was therefore sought and obtained under urgency procedures and it was recommended that this urgent action be noted.

 

Resolved – That the action taken be noted.

 

(n)       (N) Report of Urgent Action Taken:  Private view for the launch of the Architecture in London exhibition

In accordance with Standing Order No. 19 urgent authority was sought to host a private view in Guildhall Art Gallery to mark the launch of the Architecture in London exhibition.

 

Guildhall Art Gallery’s main exhibition in 2019, Architecture in London, was intended to explore the depiction of London’s buildings in art, and how they served as a source of inspiration to artists over the centuries.

 

It was proposed that the City Corporation host a private view, to provide an opportunity to promote the exhibition and thank supporters and contributors, as well as showcase the City Corporation’s contribution to London’s cultural life.   

 

Following the decision of Hospitality Working Party on 28^th February, it became evident that waiting for a Court of Common Council decision on 25^th April would not allow sufficient time for arrangements to be put in place for this event.  Approval was therefore sought and obtained under urgency procedures and it was recommended that this urgent action be noted.

 

Resolved – That the action taken be noted.

 

(o)       (O) Report of Urgent Action Taken:  Early evening reception to mark the transfer of the ‘AIDS since the 80s’ archive to the London Metropolitan Archives

In accordance with Standing Order No. 19, urgent authority was sought to host an early evening reception to mark the transfer of the ‘AIDS in the 80s’ archive, a digital collection of over 100 film interviews with individuals affected by the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s. 

The City Corporation hosted an early evening reception on Wednesday 20^th March 2019 to mark the transfer of the archive. The reception provided an opportunity to recognise the importance of the project and to highlight the collection as a resource for the public.

 

Following the decision of Policy and Resources Committee to endorse the application, it became evident that waiting for Court of Common Council approval on 7^th March would not allow sufficient time for arrangements to be put in place.  Approval was therefore sought and obtained under urgency procedures and it was recommended that this urgent action be noted.

 

Resolved – That the action taken be noted.