Agenda item

To consider recommendations concerning the provision of hospitality.

Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee

(Deputy Tom Hoffman M.B.E., Chief Commoner)

(A) Fusion Prize Award Ceremony and Early Evening Reception

It was proposed that the City of London Corporation host the Fusion Prize Award Ceremony followed by an early evening reception at Guildhall on Thursday 7 May 2020. The Fusion Prize is a prize for new ideas demonstrating how engagement with creativity and culture can help young people develop modern workplace skills. The Prize has been developed by the Culture Mile Learning team in partnership with Foundation for Future London.

It was therefore recommended that hospitality be granted for the Fusion Prize Award Ceremony and an early evening reception.

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for the Fusion Prize Award Ceremony and an early evening reception, that arrangements are made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash within agreed parameters.

(B) Finale of the Lord Mayor’s Cadet Music Competition

It was proposed that the City Corporation host the finale of the Lord Mayor’s Cadet Music Competition in Guildhall Yard followed by a buffet lunch in the Crypts on Saturday 16 May 2020. The competition, for cadet units in London, has been held annually since 2017.

It was therefore recommended that hospitality be granted for the City Corporation to host the finale of the Lord Mayor’s Cadet Music Competition and that arrangements are made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; costs to be met from City’s Cash within agreed parameters.

(C) High Sheriffs’ Association of England and Wales Reception

It was proposed that the City Corporation host an early evening reception in the Grand Hall of the Old Bailey for the High Sheriffs’ Association of England and Wales on Wednesday 27May 2020. The reception, held for the last two years at the Old Bailey, aims to further relations between the Sheriffs of the City of London and the High Sheriffs across the Country.

It was recommended that hospitality be granted for an early evening reception for the High Sheriffs’ Association of England and Wales at the Old Bailey.

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for an early evening reception for the High Sheriffs’ Association of England and Wales at the Old Bailey 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) Centre of Young Musicians 50th anniversary reception and gala concert

It was proposed that the City Corporation host an early evening reception prior to the Centre for Young Musicians’ 50th anniversary gala concert at the Barbican Centre on Wednesday 10June 2020. The Centre for Young Musicians, a division of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, offers young people weekend programmes and summer courses. The gala concert will help raise funds for bursaries.

It was recommended that hospitality be granted for an early evening reception prior to the Centre for Young Musicians’ 50th anniversary gala concert.

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for an early evening reception prior to the Centre for Young Musicians’ 50th anniversary gala concert and that arrangements

be made under the auspices of the Board of Governors of the Guildhall School of

Music and Drama; costs to be met from City’s Cash within agreed parameters.

(E)Central London Bench

It was proposed that the City Corporation host an early evening reception in the Grand Hall at the Old Bailey for the Central London Bench on Monday 29 June 2020. The City Corporation previously hosted similar receptions in 2018 and 2019.

It was recommended that hospitality be granted for an early evening reception for the Central London Bench.

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for an early evening reception for the Central London Bench and that arrangements are made under the auspices of the

Hospitality Working Party; costs to be met from City’s Cash within agreed

parameters.

(F) Youth Interfaith Iftar

It was proposed that the City Corporation support the hosting of a Youth Interfaith Iftar, in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces, at the Tower of London on Monday 4May 2020. Last year a similar event, organised by the Naz Legacy Foundation, was held at St Paul’s Cathedral and Guildhall. The event would provide an opportunity for young adults to come together to discuss their faith and how to bring different communities in London together.

It was recommended that hospitality be granted to support a Youth Interfaith Iftar.

Resolved – That hospitality be granted to support a Youth Interfaith Iftar and that arrangements are made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party, costs be met from City’s Cash withing agreed parameters.

(G) Report of Urgent Action Taken: Australia Bush Fire Relief Dinner

The Court noted action taken in accordance with Standing Order No.19 in relation to authority granted under urgency procedures to support the holding of a dinner at Mansion House on Thursday 12 March in aid of the Australian Bush Fire relief effort.

As referenced at the Court of Common Council on 16January, it was agreed that the City Corporation would facilitate a fund-raising dinner in aid of the Australian Bush Fires relief effort in partnership with the Australian High Commission. Following the decision of Hospitality Working Party in January, it was evident that waiting for the next formal meeting of Court of Common Council on 5March would not allow sufficient time for arrangements to be put in place and invitations issued. Approval was therefore sought and obtained under urgency procedures.

Resolved – That the action taken under urgency procedures be noted.

(H) Report of Urgent Action Taken: London Tourism Awards

The Court noted action taken in accordance with Standing Order No.19 in relation to authority granted under urgency procedures to host an evening reception following the London Tourism Awards taking place at Guildhall on Wednesday 11 March. The event would help promote the City, London and the UK as attractive and accessible places to live, learn, work and visit.

Following the decision of Hospitality Working Party in January, it became evident that waiting for a Court of Common Council decision on 5March 2020 would not allow sufficient time for arrangements to be put in place and for invitations to be issued. Approval was therefore sought and obtained under urgency procedures.

Resolved – That the action taken under urgency procedures be noted.

(I) Report of Urgent Action Taken: Reception, address of welcome and State

Banquet in honour of their Majesties The Emperor and The Empress of Japan

The Court noted action taken in accordance with Standing Order No.19 in relation to authority granted under urgency procedures to host an address of welcome and State Banquet in honour of Their Majesties The Emperor and The Empress of Japan in Spring 2020.

At the invitation of Her Majesty the Queen, Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan will pay a visit to the United Kingdom in May 2020. It is proposed

that the City of London Corporation hosts a reception, address of welcome and State Banquet in honour of the visit of the Emperor and Empress under the auspices of a Ward Reception Committee, appointed in accordance with the previously agreed rota, with the Town Clerk authorised to make any amendments to the membership as required.

Once formal notification of the visit had been received in January, it became evident that waiting for the next formal Court of Common Council meeting on 5March would not allow sufficient time for a Ward Reception Committee to be appointed and for all the necessary arrangements to be made. Approval was therefore sought and obtained under urgency procedures.

Resolved – That the action taken under urgency procedures be noted.