Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Deputy Michael Cassidy, Sir Michael Snyder and Alderman Alan Yarrow.

There were no declarations.

To note the terms of reference of the Sub-Committee as follows:-

To consider and report to the Grand Committee on all matters relating to the City Corporation’s Economic Development, public Relations, Public Affairs and Communication activities, including any related plans policies and strategies.

The Sub-Committee noted its terms of reference as follows:-

To consider and report to the Grand Committee on all matters relating to the City Corporation’s Economic Development, public Relations, Public Affairs and Communication activities, including any related plans policies and strategies.

To appoint up to four Members co-opted from the Court of Common Council.

The Sub-Committee considered the appointment of its co-opted Members

RESOLVED – That Sophie Fernandes, Wendy Hyde, Oliver Lodge and Ian Seaton be appointed to serve on the Sub-Committee as co-optees for the ensuing year.

To agree the public minutes of the meeting held on 14 February 2013 (copy attached).

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 February 2013 were considered. Updates were provided in relation to the position to take on Corporation tax, research on the Financial Transactions Tax and the publication of the City Corporation’s annual report. The Director of Economic Development agreed to circulate a note on Corporation Tax to Members.

RESOLVED: That, the minutes of 14 February 2013 be approved.

EU Strategy - Engagement Activities

A note on the City Corporation’s EU Engagement activities was considered. The Chairman updated Members on these activities and the views of business leaders towards the UK’s membership of the EU. The Sub Committee discussed the City Corporation’s current stance towards the EU and various views were put forward on the merits of the current arrangements. It was recognised that more empirical research should be carried out on the importance of Europe to UK business. This data should then be used to confirm the City Corporation’s position on the matter.

RESOLVED: That, the note be received.

Chairman's Visits - Update on visits to India, the US, Poland and Lithuania

The Chairman updated Members on his recent visits to India, Washington DC, Poland and Lithuania. Following visits to the US and India, the Chairman wrote to the Chancellor to relay the key messages.

RESOLVED: That, the update be received.

Aviation Connectivity and the Economy

A report on the City Corporation’s position with respect to Aviation Connectivity and the Economy was considered. Members discussed the advantages and disadvantages to current approaches towards aviation. It was acknowledged that there was a need for greater aviation capacity in London and that this was important for economic growth. There was a requirement for a larger central airport hub in London and, given current circumstances, Heathrow was the ideal location for this. It was felt that the City Corporation should be more robust in this approach and therefore the Policy and Resources Committee should consider how best to take this forward.

RESOLVED: That, the note be received.

To consider matters relating to supporting London’s communities, including the programme for tackling unemployment and the new Corporate Community Involvement Guide.

A City of London Corporation publication entitled ‘Corporate Community Involvement Guide’ was distributed to Members. The Director of Economic Development provided an update on the work being done to support London’s Communities. Discussion took place on the City Corporation’s contact with certain boroughs at senior political/corporate level and consideration was given to how this could be enhanced.

RESOLVED: That, the update be received.

To consider matters relating to London’s heritage and green spaces, including the Magna Carta, Lord Mayor’s Show and planned research on open spaces.

The Director of Public Relations updated Members on plans for this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show. The Director advised that it had been proposed that the City Corporation should consider resuming the firework display, which followed the Show for a number of years. Members agreed that, despite the expense, the firework display was an important contribution to the celebrations of the day. It was therefore agreed that the Director should report to the next Policy and Resources Committee on this matter.

RESOLVED: That, the Director of Public Relations report to the next meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee on funding a firework display after this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show.

Report of the Director of Public Relations (copy attached).

A report on the City Corporation’s 2013 party conference activity was considered. Members discussed the importance of the conferences and the need for Member involvement. It was accepted that, in view of the expense of sending delegates to the conferences, attendance should be restricted. Following discussion, it was agreed that a maximum of six Members of this Sub Committee should attend each conference, including the Chairman and relevant Deputy Chairmen. The Director of Public Relations agreed to write to Members asking for their preference on which conferences they would like to attend.

RESOLVED – That:-

1.    the overall plans for the 2013 conferences be noted;

2.    no more than six Members of this Sub Committee, including the Chairman and relevant Deputy Chairmen, should attend each conference; and

3.    a request for an additional £12,000 funding for the 2013 conference programme be submitted to the next meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee.

There were no questions relating to the work of the Sub-Committee.

There were no items of urgent business.

The meeting closed at 4.30pm

Contact Officer: Sam Hutchings

020 7332 1407

Sam.hutchings@cityoflondon.gov.uk