Agenda item

To consider several applications relating to the provision of hospitality.

HOSPITALITY WORKING PARTY OF THE POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

(John George Stewart Scott, J.P., Chief Commoner)

24 January 2019

(A) High Sheriffs Reception

The office of High Sheriff is a non-political Royal appointment.  There are 55 High Sheriffs who serve the counties of England and Wales with each appointment lasting a year.  The City of London was granted the right to elect its own sheriff in a charter of 1130, a right affirmed by King Stephen in 1141.

It was proposed that the City Corporation host an early evening reception for the High Sheriffs at the Old Bailey on Wednesday 29^th May 2019.  The reception would represent an opportunity to enhance the City’s relationships with the High Sheriffs, highlight the activities of the City’s Sheriffs and promote the City Corporation’s aims and objectives to regional representatives.

It was therefore recommended that hospitality be granted for an early evening reception for the High Sheriffs’ Association.

Resolved – That that hospitality be granted for an early evening reception for the High Sheriffs’ Association 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 and within approved parameters.

(B) Armed Forces Flag Day

Armed Forces Flag Day forms part of a week of activities across the country to raise public awareness of the contribution made by the Armed Forces.  Armed Forces Flag Day was established to provide an opportunity to show support for members of the Armed Forces and Service families.

To mark this occasion, and in line with previous years, it was proposed that the City Corporation host a flag-raising ceremony in Guildhall Yard during the afternoon of Monday 24th June 2019, followed by light refreshments in the Old Library.

It was therefore recommended that hospitality be granted for a flag-raising ceremony to mark Armed Forces Flag Day.

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for a flag-raising ceremony to mark Armed Forces Flag Day, followed by light refreshments, and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within approved parameters.

(C) Central London Bench Reception

The City has a long history of association with the justice system and, in particular, with the City Magistracy, including by the provision of the City of London’s Magistrates’ Court. The City Corporation is currently working with HMCTS on the proposal for a new combined court centre in the City of London that would enable all existing courts in the Square Mile (except the Central Criminal Court) to be consolidated into a new multi-purpose flagship centre with a primary focus on fraud, economic crime and cyber-crime.

It was proposed that the City Corporation host an early evening reception for the Central London Bench.  The reception would provide an opportunity to build on the longstanding relationship the City Corporation has with the Central London Bench and to highlight the contribution made by the City Corporation to the administration of justice in London, including the proposed combined court centre.

It was therefore 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 arrangement be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash within approved parameters.

(D) Report of Urgent Action Taken: Beasts of London Reception

In accordance with Standing Order No. 19, urgent authority was sought to host an early evening reception at the Museum of London for up to 250 guests to mark the opening of the ‘Beasts of London’ exhibition.

The Museum of London, in partnership with the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, will open a new exhibition in April 2019 entitled ‘Beasts of London’.  The exhibition will focus on the history of humans and animals living side by side in London and explore the impact that the modern urban environment has on animals.

Following the decision of the Hospitality Working Party on 24th January, it became evident that waiting for a Court of Common Council decision on 7th March 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 under urgency procedures be noted.

(E) Report of Urgent Action Taken: The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch

The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch was launched in 2008 and since its inception has raised £1.9m for the Army Benevolent Fund, the Soldiers’ Charity, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.  The lunch is hosted by the Lord Mayor and attended by a Member of the Royal Family. 

In order to demonstrate the City’s continuing commitment to the Armed Forces, and to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Army Benevolent Fund, it has been agreed that the City Corporation will meet the cost of the use of Guildhall for this occasion with event related costs being met from the hospitality budget.

Following the decision of the Hospitality Working Party on 24th January, it became evident that waiting for a Court of Common Council decision on 7th March 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 is recommended that this urgent action be noted.

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