Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies received.

There were no declarations of interest under the code of conduct in respect of items on the agenda.

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

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee note the terms of reference.

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

The Sub-Committee discussed the appointment of co-opted Members from the Court of Common Council to the Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee agreed to reappoint Oliver Lodge, Ian Seaton and Sophie Fernandes.

The Chairman informed the Sub-Committee that in his opinion those potential candidates for the fourth co-opted membership were the Members who minimally missed election to the Grand Committee, Tom Sleigh, James Tumbridge and Henry Colthurst. Following a discussion the Sub-Committee agreed the Chairman should speak with Tom Sleigh, who should be offered the fourth place providing that Mr Sleigh was suitably interested.

RESOLVED:

·         That Oliver Lodge, Ian Seaton and Sophie Fernandes be reappointed co-opted Members of the Public Relations and Economic Development Sub-Committee.

·         That the Chairman discuss the position with Tom Sleigh, and if satisfied that he would make a suitable contribution to the Sub-Committee, to have the authority to appoint Mr Sleigh.  

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 20 February 2014.

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee approve the minutes of the meeting held on 20 February 2014 as an accurate record.

Matters Arising

A Member asked for clarification with regards to the efforts made by the EDO to encourage Member involvement in TheCityUK events and other large events occurring across the City. The Director of Economic Development explained that Members of the Sub-Committee were routinely invited to large TheCityUK events but that EDO would ensure that TheCityUK were supplied with an updated list of the Sub-Committee’s Members, and if there were occurrences where Members were not being appropriately informed he would look to resolve any issues. 

Report of the Director of Public Relations.

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Director of Public Relations regarding 2014 Party Conference activity. The Sub-Committee agreed that the Public Relations Office should contact Members in June 2014 regarding expressions of interest for attending the events. Members queried the level of Member involvement at Party Conferences. The Town Clerk confirmed that it was agreed at the 2 May 2013 Sub-Committee meeting that no more than six Members of the Public Relations and Economic Development Sub-Committee, including the Chairman and relevant Deputy Chairman, should attend each Party Conference.

RESOLVED:

·         That the Sub-Committee note the 2014 Party Conference programme.

·         Members attendance arrangements remain the same; no more than six Members of the Public Relations and Economic Development Sub-Committee, including the Chairman and relevant Deputy Chairman.

·         That the Sub-Committee agree that a request for an additional £15,000 for the 2014 Party Conference Programme be submitted to the June 2014 meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee.

Report of the Director of Public Relations.

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Director of Public Relations regarding think tank activities 2010-2014. The Sub-Committee discussed issues with regards to engagement and political balance and agreed that balance and transparency should continue to be embedded in think tank programmes. A Member also requested that future reports include the costs associated with each activity.

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee note the report on the 2010-2014 City of London activities with think tanks.

Report of the Director of Economic Development.

The Sub-Committee received a report by the Director of Economic Development on the Brussels Annual Reception. The Sub-Committee agreed that all Members would be contacted early September 2014 with regards to expressions of interest in attending the Annual Reception. Members who had expressed an interest and who had the relevant experience would be included in the delegation. 

RESOLVED: That Members be contacted early September 2014 regarding expressions of interest to attend the Brussels Annual Reception.

Report of the Director of Economic Development

The Sub-Committee received an update report of the Director of Economic Development regarding the activities of the International Regulatory Strategy Group (IRSG) and an outline of the Group’s areas of activity over the coming months. The Sub-Committee discussed European regulation and the Financial Transaction Tax (FTT), as well as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee note the update and forward look on the activities of the International Regulatory Strategic Group (IRSG).

Report of the Director Economic Development.

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Director of Economic Development regarding the Pre-Presidency visit to Italy conducted by the Lord Mayor, the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee and the Chair of the International Regulatory Strategy Group (IRSG).

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee note the report on the Pre-Presidency visit to Italy.

The were no questions related to the work of the Sub-Committee.

There was no other business.

MOTION - That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED: That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act. In addition, for one item which fell under paragraph 100A (2) of the Act relating to confidential information that would be disclosed in breach of an obligation of confidence:-

        Item Nos.                                         Exemption Paragraph(s)

             14                                                                               1

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 20 February 2014.

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee approve the non-public minutes of the Public Relations and Economic Development Sub-Committee held on 20 February 2014 as an accurate record.

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

There was no other business to be considered whilst the public was excluded.