Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Aldermen Sir William Russell (Chairman), Alderman Robert Howard, Robert Hughes-Penney, Alderwoman Jennette Newman and Alderman Sir Andrew Parmley.

There were no declarations.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen held on 12 September 2023.

The Committee considered the minutes of the last meeting of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen held on 12 September 2023.

RESOLVED, that the minutes of the last meeting of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen held on 12 September 2023 be approved as an accurate record of the meeting.

MATTERS ARISING

In response to a query from a member regarding the Masters’ & Prime Wardens’ Livery Weekend 2024, the Assistant Town Clerk advised that discussions were taking place with a view to hosting the event in London.

Chairman’s Congratulatory Remarks

The Chairman, on behalf of the Court of Aldermen, offered congratulations to Alderman Alison Gowman on being appointed to the Chapter of St Paul’s. Alderman Gowman was among four new members appointed to the body and now held the title of ‘Lay Canon’.

Congratulations were also offered to Alderman Prem Goyal, who had been appointed as a member of the Strategic Board at the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.

Aldermanic Accessories

An Alderman referred to Item 8 on the agenda and enquired why that item was being considered in non-public session. In response, the Assistant Town Clerk noted that Aldermanic matters were not subject to Local Authority Access to Information legislation and referred to the Court of Aldermen’s Standing Order 25, which also had due regard to the Aldermanic Disclosure Arrangement (specifically 4a). It was noted that the item in question related to City's Cash matters, which were also generally considered in non-public session of meetings of the Court of Common Council and its various committees, under that body's separate Standing Order arrangements.

There were no additional, urgent items of business for consideration.

MOTION - That, in accordance with the Court of Aldermen’s Disclosure Arrangement (Standing Order 25), the public shall be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen have determined, having had due regard to the Disclosure Arrangement, that disclosure should not be permitted.

RESOLVED - That, in accordance with the Court of Aldermen’s Disclosure Arrangement (Standing Order 25), the public shall be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen have determined, having had due regard to the Disclosure Arrangement, that disclosure should not be permitted.

To approve the non-public minutes of the last meeting of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen held on 12 September 2023.

The Committee considered and approved the non-public minutes of the last meeting of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen held on 12 September 2023.

Report of the Executive Director and Private Secretary to the Lord Mayor.

The Committee considered and agreed a report of the Executive Director and Private Secretary to the Lord Mayor relative to a report on the future financing and provision of various Aldermanic accessories.

Report of the Executive Director, Innovation and Growth.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Innovation and Growth, regarding Corporation event guest lists, which was presented for information following a question in the non-public session of the previous meeting.

Members of Aldermanic Strategy Group One updated the Committee on their work regarding External Priorities. There was also a brief update from a member of Aldermanic Strategy Group Three.

The Committee were updated on relevant key issues recently discussed at Corporation Committee meetings.

There were no questions raised in the non-public session.

The Committee discussed additional issues in relation to the Lord Mayor’s Show and plans for the new Combined Courts Facility in Salisbury Square in non-public session.