Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Mark Boleat, John Scott and Nicholas Bensted-Smith.

There were no declarations of interest.

To elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 30.

The Sub-Committee was invited to elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order 30.

Resolved – Alderman Sir David Wootton was elected to serve as Deputy Chairman of the subcommittee.

Report of the Town Clerk.

Members of the Sub-Committee was invited to consider the terms of reference and frequency of meetings. It was noted that the current terms of reference did not correctly reflect the purpose and priorities for the subcommittee as set out in the report proposing its establishment, nor did they set out the constitution or quorum for the group. Members agreed that the terms of reference should also include that for a period of five years, from June 2016 to April 2021, the Sub-Committee would be responsible for oversight of the management of all matters relating to the Central Criminal Court, the City of London Magistrates’ Court and the Mayor’s and City of London Court.

The Deputy Chairman said that the Sub-Committee was being provided with an opportunity to promote and manage the work undertaken by the three City of London courts.

The Deputy Chairman also highlighted that the future of another Court in London was currently under consultation; if this resulted in the closure of the Court it was possible that more cases would need to be considered at the City of London Magistrates’ Court or the Old Bailey. This would have implications on whether certain maintenance and upgrade works would need to be undertaken at these Courts. Members agreed that the strategy regarding the contribution of the courts would help to identify which works needed to be prioritised.

It was agreed that the remit of the subcommittee should take a holistic approach regarding all three City of London Courts and that a strategy should be drawn up covering all three rather than approaching items of work individually. The Town Clerk was tasked with revising the terms of reference and setting up a special meeting of the subcommittee in the beginning of December where the terms of reference and strategy would

Report of the Secondary and Under Sheriff of London.

The Sub-Committee considered the Business Plan which related to the Central  Criminal Court. Members noted that the plan was due to be refreshed and in future the plan would combine the business plans of all three City Courts. Members noted that the department had continued to expand its wider educational and outreach roles with some 71 visits having taken place in the past year. There had been a significant increase in daytime visits from schools, universities and judicial related initiatives with a particular emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

The Sheriffs had also expanded the target audience for lunches and a number

of “themed” lunches had taken place specifically focusing on certain target

audiences, promoting the rule and significance of law in successful commerce

and to promote the close relationship with the Judiciary and the Corporation of

London’s responsibility for the Central Criminal Court.

A Member queried whether an event could be hosted to thank the Treasury Counsel for their work. The Chairman agreed to investigate this matter outside of the meeting.

In response to a query regarding the financial aspects of the business plan, the Secondary and Under Sheriff agreed to circulate a paper relating to these matters to Members of the Sub-Committee.

Resolved – that the report be received.

Report of the Secondary and Under Sheriff of London.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Secondary and Under Sheriff of London detailing the future works to be undertaken at the Central Criminal Court.

Members noted that in future the report would refer to all three City Courts. The Sub Committee agreed that it would be beneficial to visit all three courts before the Sub Committee met in the new year.

Resolved – that the report be received and that the Town Clerk be requested to arrange for the Sub Committee to visit the three City of London Courts.

There were no questions.

There was no urgent 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 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.

Joint report of the Secondary and Under Sherriff of London and the Comptroller & City Solicitor.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Secondary and Under Sheriff of London.

Report of the Secondary and Under Sheriff of London.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Secondary and Under Sheriff of London.

Report of the Secondary and Under Sheriff of London.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Secondary and Under Sheriff of London.

Presentation from the City Surveyor.

The Committee received a presentation from the City Surveyor.

There were two non-public questions.

There was one item of private urgent business.