Agenda and minutes

The following Members, lately elected to be of the Common Council, for the Wards mentioned, were introduced to the Court and having, previously made the declaration prescribed by the Promissory Oaths Act, 1868, took their seats, viz:¬

Pursuant to the decision of the Court of 13 September 2012, the Right Honourable The Lord Mayor invited Mr George Gillon to take office as Chief Commoner for the ensuing year.

Resolved unanimously – That this Honourable Court wishes to extend to

Deputy Kenneth Edwin Ayers,

Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

its sincere gratitude for the manner in which he has undertaken the role of Chief Commoner over the past year.

Ken took up the post in April 2012 and served during an eventful year for the City of London; firstly the celebrations for Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and then the successful London Olympics and Paralympics.

Throughout the past year he has continued to develop the role and has carried out the many and varied, and sometimes difficult, tasks expected of the Chief Commoner with patience and sound judgement.

In taking leave of the Chief Commoner and in thanking him formally and sincerely, his colleagues wish to express their appreciation not only for his resourcefulness and hospitality during the past year, but also for his enthusiasm, consideration and courtesy and they wish both Ken and Ann continued good health and happiness long into the future.

Deputy Kenneth Ayers was heard in reply.

Resolved – That the Minutes of the last Court are correctly recorded.

The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor reported on his recent visits to Turkey, Korea, Japan, Estonia and Lithuania.

The Chief Commoner referred to a number of former Members of the Court who had not been re-elected at the recent elections. He thanked Stella Currie, Archie Galloway, Pauline Halliday, Peter Hardwick, Janet Owen and John Spanner who had contributed a great deal of time and effort over many years in support of the City Corporation’s activities, taking on the burden of Chairmanships and having done so very well. He also thanked Nick Cressey, Greg Lawrence, Peter Leck and Mark Clarke for their support for the Corporation’s work and wished all the former Members well for the future.

Resolved unanimously – That, on his retirement from this Honourable Court, the Members wish to place on record their warmest thanks to

Sir John Stuttard, Master of Arts

for the distinguished service that he has given to the City Corporation over the past twelve years. Elected as Alderman for the Ward of Lime Street in 2001, he was elected to the Office of Sheriff in 2005 and rose to the Mayoralty in 2006.

Whether on Corporation Committees or in the Mayoralty, Sir John brought an enthusiasm to all he did, to all he said. Keen to inspire others, during his mayoralty Sir John was eager to promote London as a place of learning and sharing skills and his appeal was dedicated to raising funds for cross border learning which aimed to encourage the transfer of knowledge from one country to another in order to improve cultural awareness and a greater mutual understanding.

When he stands down from Office next month, Sir John can take with him the very best wishes of all his colleagues on this Court for a long, happy and healthy retirement from civic life in the City.

Alderman Stuttard was heard in reply.

Resolved unanimously - That on his retirement from this Honourable Court, the Members wish to place on record their thanks to

Alderman Simon Walsh, Master of Arts

for the dedicated service that he has given to the Corporation and to the City over the past twenty three years.

Simon’s civic career started in 1989, when he was elected as a Common Councilman for the Ward of Farringdon Without, subsequently being elected as Alderman for the Ward in 2000.

He served on a large number of Corporation Committees and as Chairman of a number of them, most notably the Housing & Sport Development, Police and Licensing Committees. In each of these roles, he has given of his time and effort willingly and to great effect.

When he stands down next month, the Court will lose a man of principle and distinction and he will leave with the gratitude and good wishes of his colleagues and the hope that, perhaps, one day, he may return.

Resolved unanimously - That, on his retirement from this Honourable Court, the Members wish to place on record their thanks to

The Honourable Philip John Remnant,

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

for the service that he has given to the Corporation and to the City since his election as Alderman for the Ward of Bassishaw three years ago.

During his time as an Alderman, Philip’s service was suitably recognised through the award of a CBE for services to the financial services industry and to the public sector and he has ably served on a number of the City Corporation’s Committees where his colleagues have much appreciated his contributions.

When he stands down next week, he can do so with the hearty thanks of this Court and with our warmest good wishes for the future.

Alderman Remnant was heard in reply.

There was no statement.

Sundry documents were  sealed with the Hospital Seal.

(A list of names, together with those of the nominators, has been separately circulated).

To: –

·        Make further provision for the qualification of candidates for the office of Alderman of the City of London.

 (First and Second Reading)

(A printed report of the Policy & Resources Committee thereon has been circulated).

A Bill for an Act of Common Council.

To make further provision for the qualification of candidates for the office of Alderman of the City of London.

(First and Second Reading)

(A printed report of the Policy & Resources Committee thereon has been circulated).

Motion – That the report be agreed to and that the Bill be read a first and second time.

Motion – That the report be referred back to the Policy and Resources Committee for further consideration.

On a show of hands, the Lord Mayor declared the Motion not to be carried and, sufficient Members having risen to demand a Division, the Court agreed to move straight to a Division on the Motion before the Court, regarding a referral of the report back to the Policy and Resources Committee.

There appeared:-

For the Affirmative 41

ALDERMEN

COMMONERS

Tellers for the affirmative – (Affirmative) Scott, J.G.S., J.P., B.A (Hons)and (Negative) Mooney, B.D.F., M.A.

For the Negative 63

ALDERMEN

(The text of the measures and the explanatory notes may be obtained from the Remembrancer’s office.)

The Remembrancer’s report of measures introduced into Parliament which may have an effect on the services provided by the City Corporation.

(The text of the measures and the explanatory notes may be obtained from the Remembrancer’s office.)

Received.

¬ denotes appointed

                                                                           Votes

John David Absalom                                            40¬

Douglas Barrow, Deputy                                       63¬

Roger Arthur Holden Chadwick                              62¬

Simon D'Olier Duckworth, D.L.                              64¬

The Revd. Dr. Martin Dudley                                 34

Peter Gerard Dunphy                                            28

Dr. Peter Bernard Hardwick, Q.H.P.                       32

Brian Nicholas Harris                                            56¬

Oliver Arthur Wynlayne Lodge, T.D, B.Sc.              53¬

Catherine McGuinness, M.A., Deputy                    92¬        

Sylvia Doreen Moys                                                            31

Ann Marjorie Francescia Pembroke                       11

James Henry George Pollard, Deputy                    62¬

Richard David Regan, Deputy                               56¬

Elizabeth Rogula                                                  53¬

John George Stewart Scott, J.P., B.A.(Hons)         36

Ian Christopher Norman Seaton                             54¬

Michael Welbank, Deputy                                     57¬

The Town Clerk reported the results of a ballot taken at the last Court for the appointment of the Honourable The Irish Society.

¬denotes appointed

                                                                           Votes

John David Absalom                                            40¬

Douglas Barrow, Deputy                                       63¬

Roger Arthur Holden Chadwick                              62¬

Simon D'Olier Duckworth, D.L.                              64¬

The Revd. Dr. Martin Dudley                                 34

Peter Gerard Dunphy                                            28

Dr. Peter Bernard Hardwick, Q.H.P.                       32

Brian Nicholas Harris                                            56¬

Oliver Arthur Wynlayne Lodge, T.D, B.Sc.              53¬

Catherine McGuinness, M.A., Deputy                    92¬

Sylvia Doreen Moys                                                            31

Ann Marjorie Francescia Pembroke                       11

James Henry George Pollard, Deputy                    62¬

Richard David Regan, Deputy                               56¬

Elizabeth Rogula                                                  53¬

John George Stewart Scott, J.P., B.A.(Hons)         36

Ian Christopher Norman Seaton                             54¬

Michael Welbank, Deputy                                     57¬

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared those members marked with an asterisk to be appointed onto The Honourable The Irish Society - Simon Duckworth, Deputy Doug Barrow, Roger Chadwick and Deputy Henry Pollard for terms of three years; Deputy Michael Welbank, Brian Harris, Deputy Richard Regan and Ian Seaton for terms of two years; and John Absalom, Oliver Lodge, Deputy Catherine McGuinness and Elizabeth Rogula for terms of one year. (Deputy McGuinness being allocated a one year term at her own request).

To appoint the Committees until the first meeting of the Court in April 2014 and to agree the terms of reference and constitution for each Committee.

(A list of the proposed appointments, terms of reference and constitutions has been separately circulated).

Unless otherwise stated the requirement for certain Committees to have a Member with less than five years’ service on the Court, at the time of their appointment, is fulfilled by the existing membership.

Nominations received for vacancies of varying terms:-

(Where appropriate

* denotes a Member standing for re-appointment;

# denotes less than five years’ service on the Court; and

a) Policy and Resources Committee (seven vacancies).

(Contest)

Nominations received:-

*           Kenneth Edwin Ayers, M.B.E., Deputy

John Alfred Barker, O.B.E., Deputy   

            Alexander John Cameron Deane

*          Stuart John Fraser, C.B.E.

Tom Hoffman 

Wendy Marilyn Hyde

Oliver Arthur Wynlayne Lodge, T.D, B.Sc.

*          Charles Edward Lord, O.B.E., J.P., Deputy 

*          Joyce Carruthers Nash, O.B.E., Deputy

Gerald Albert George Pulman, J.P., Deputy

John George Stewart Scott, J.P., B.A.(Hons)

Jeremy Lewis Simons M.Sc.

*          Sir Michael Snyder, Deputy

Patrick Thomas Streeter

John Tomlinson, B.A., M.Sc. Deputy

Philip John Woodhouse

b) Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee (one vacancy).

(Contest)

Nominations received:-

            Kenneth Edwin Ayers, M.B.E., Deputy

*           Simon D’Olier Duckworth, D.L.          

            Ann Marjorie Francescia Pembroke

c) Privileges Sub, Policy and Resources Committee (two vacancies).

Nominations received:-

Kenneth Edwin Ayers, M.B.E., Deputy

*           Oliver Arthur Wynlayne Lodge, T.D, B.Sc      

d) Investment Committee (five vacancies).

(Contest)

Nominations received:-

            Henry Nicholas Colthurst

*           Simon D’Olier Duckworth, D.L.

*           Brian Nicholas Harris

Robert Picton Seymour Howard, Deputy

Michael Hudson

Andrew Stratton McMurtrie

*           James Henry George Pollard, Deputy

John George Stewart Scott, J.P., B.A.(Hons)

Philip John Woodhouse

e) Audit and Risk Management Committee (two vacancies).

(Contest)

Nominations received:-

*

This day the Court proceeded to the annual appointment of Committees.

Resolved – That the several Committees be appointed until the first meeting of the Court in May 2014, and that the terms of reference and constitutions be also approved.

Notes:

1. The format of this paper shows the constitution of each Committee, followed by the proposed membership and, lastly, its terms of reference.

2. Against the names of Common Councilmen are one or more numbers. A number shown without brackets reflects the total number of years that a Member has served on the Committee since first elected to the Court, including 2013/14.  Numbers in brackets apply only to Committees for which the Court makes an appointment for a four year period, and indicate which year of the period that Member is entering in 2013. (In the case of the Board of Governors of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and the Barbican Centre Board, appointments are for a three year period).

Nominations

3. Nominations for appointments on Ward Committees have been submitted in accordance with Standing Order No. 23(5).

4. Where a Ward chooses not to make a nomination to a Ward Committee or pair with another Ward, the vacancy shall be advertised to all Members and, on the basis of the nominations received, the appointment made by the Court.

5. Where a vacancy exists on a Ward Committee, an interim ward pairing option may be exercised (in accordance with the agreed ward pairing arrangements) until the replacement ward representative is agreed subsequent to the election of a new Common Councilman for the Ward.

Compliance with Standing Orders

6. Each Committee or Board, in carrying out the functions and responsibilities delegated to it by the Court of Common Council, shall do so in compliance with the City Corporation's Standing

 1) Brian Mooney asked a question of the Chief Commoner concerning dress worn for the presentation of Members to the Court.

In reply the Chief Commoner supported the approach of his predecessor for either morning dress or lounge suits to be worn for such presentations and he stated that this may be a matter for the Members’ Privileges Sub Committee to consider.

2) Brian Mooney asked a question of the Chairman of the Policy & Resources Committee concerning the take up and turn-out of the business vote at the recent elections.

In reply the Chairman reported that according to the City Corporation’s official occupier’s database, there were 6,798 potential businesses that could have registered to vote in the recent City elections. Of those, 3,954 businesses actually registered, which represents a take-up of almost 60% of the business electorate. Based on that take-up, 19,712 individual business voters could have been registered to vote. The actual number of individual business voters who did, in fact, register was 15,581. This equated to a 79% take-up of eligible business voters.

He added that the overall average turnout across all the contested wards was approximately 30%. The comparable figure in 2009 was 26%. The average turn-out in the predominately business wards, was slightly less at approximately 29%. There was, however, a significant range in turnout between individual predominantly business wards - for example, in Castle Baynard the turnout was 16%, in Lime Street the figure was about 50% and in Cheap it was in the order of 38%.

The Chairman concluded that the City’s emphasis must be on continuing to engage and foster the links that had been built with businesses to sustain the level of interest and increase the numbers further. In particular to encourage businesses to ensure that their voters reflect, so far as

There are no Motions.

There was no report.

(Mark John Boleat)

22 March 2013

POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE

(Mark John Boleat)

The Corporate Plan is the City of London Corporation’s main strategic planning document, providing a framework for the delivery of our services. The Plan, a copy of which has been separately circulated, is a clear statement of our vision and strategic aims and sets out the key policy priorities for the next four years.

Members were consulted on the Plan in 2011 and are not due to be consulted again until later this year. However in the interim, to ensure that the Plan reflects our current circumstances, it is reviewed annually by the Policy Committee. We recently reviewed the Corporate Plan and are recommending a few minor changes.

The key changes are as follows:-

·     Insertion of additional wording into the Introduction, reflecting the City’s work in supporting London and the nation.

·     Deletion of the previous Key Policy Priority (KPP) 5, relating to the Olympics and Paralympics.

·     Splitting of the previous KPP4 into two KPPs, one relating to the City Corporation’s work in supporting London’s communities (new KPP4) and the other relating to the City Corporation’s heritage and cultural offer (new KPP5).

·     Rewording and updating the bullet points supporting each KPP.

·     Replacement of the Core Value “Opportunity and prosperity for all” with a new Core Value “Working in Partnership”.

No changes have been made to the Vision or Strategic Aims.

We recommend that approval be given to the Corporate Plan 2013-2017.

22 March 2013

The Corporate Plan is the City of London Corporation’s main strategic planning document, providing a framework for the delivery of our services. The Plan, a copy of which has been separately circulated, is a clear statement of our vision and strategic aims and sets out the key policy priorities for the next four years.

Members were consulted on the Plan in 2011 and are not due to be consulted again until later this year. However in the interim, to ensure that the Plan reflects our current circumstances, it is reviewed annually by the Policy Committee. We recently reviewed the Corporate Plan and are recommending a few minor changes.

The key changes are as follows:-

·     Insertion of additional wording into the Introduction, reflecting the City’s work in supporting London and the nation.

·     Deletion of the previous Key Policy Priority (KPP) 5, relating to the Olympics and Paralympics.

·     Splitting of the previous KPP4 into two KPPs, one relating to the City Corporation’s work in supporting London’s communities (new KPP4) and the other relating to the City Corporation’s heritage and cultural offer (new KPP5).

·     Rewording and updating the bullet points supporting each KPP.

·     Replacement of the Core Value “Opportunity and prosperity for all” with a new Core Value “Working in Partnership”.

No changes have been made to the Vision or Strategic Aims.

We recommend that approval be given to the Corporate Plan 2013-2017.

Read and agreed to.

HOSPITALITY WORKING PARTY

(Kenneth Edwin Ayers, M.B.E., Deputy, Chief Commoner)

HOSPITALITY WORKING PARTY

(Kenneth Edwin Ayers, M.B.E., Deputy, Chief Commoner)

20 March 2013

Applications for the Use of Guildhall

20 March 2013

The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering (QEPE) is a new global engineering prize aiming to recognise individuals of any nationality, working independently or as part of a team, directly responsible for advancing the application of engineering knowledge.  The winners, which include the British internet pioneer Sir Tim Brenner-Lee, will each receive a trophy, a share of the £1m prize and will be invited to attend an award ceremony in London on 25th June 2013.  The biennial award has attracted significant media attention since its official launch in November 2011 by the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition.  The award attracted nominations from more than 30 countries and the QEPE are keen to promote the inaugural award in the hope of it becoming the pre-eminent award in its field.

We considered that the City Corporation should support this event, which is to be held on 25^th June 2013, by inviting the prize winners, together with Chief Executive Officers of the corporate sponsors; prominent City figures; government officials and policy makers and some leading business, academic and industry representatives to a luncheon in the Crypts. The time in which to arrange this was short and so action was taken as a matter of urgency pursuant to Standing Order No 19 and we now report the action taken in approving this hospitality, with the Policy and Resources Committee making the detailed arrangements and the cost being met from City’s Cash within the approved cost parameters.

This will be a Committee event.

20 March 2013

The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering (QEPE) is a new global engineering prize aiming to recognise individuals of any nationality, working independently or as part of a team, directly responsible for advancing the application of engineering knowledge.  The winners, which include the British internet pioneer Sir Tim Berners-Lee, will each receive a trophy, a share of the £1m prize and will be invited to attend an award ceremony in London on 25th June 2013.  The biennial award has attracted significant media attention since its official launch in November 2011 by the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition.  The award attracted nominations from more than 30 countries and the QEPE are keen to promote the inaugural award in the hope of it becoming the pre-eminent award in its field.

We considered that the City Corporation should support this event, which is to be held on 25^th June 2013, by inviting the prize winners, together with Chief Executive Officers of the corporate sponsors; prominent City figures; government officials and policy makers and some leading business, academic and industry representatives to a luncheon in the Crypts. The time in which to arrange this was short and so action was taken as a matter of urgency pursuant to Standing Order No 19 and we now report the action taken in approving this hospitality, with the Policy and Resources Committee making the detailed arrangements and the cost being met from City’s Cash within the approved cost parameters.

This would be a Committee event.

Received.

10 April 2013

With the funeral service for Baroness Thatcher being held in St. Paul’s Cathedral, and having regard also to the City’s recognition of her achievements in public service through the award of the honorary Freedom of the City some years ago, it seemed entirely appropriate that the City Corporation should invite those attending the service to Guildhall for a reception afterwards.

It was of course necessary to make the arrangements as a matter of urgency, obtaining approvals needed pursuant to Standing Order No. 19, and we now report the action taken. As well as the immediate family, those invited included current and former Heads of State, members of Her Majesty’s Government and Opposition, Members of both Houses of Parliament and individuals with a personal connection to Baroness Thatcher (and the cost was met from City’s Cash, within the approved cost parameters).

This was a full Court event.

10 April 2013

With the funeral service for Baroness Thatcher being held in St. Paul’s Cathedral, and having regard also to the City’s recognition of her achievements in public service through the award of the honorary Freedom of the City some years ago, it seemed entirely appropriate that the City Corporation should invite those attending the service to Guildhall for a reception afterwards.

It was of course necessary to make the arrangements as a matter of urgency, obtaining approvals needed pursuant to Standing Order No. 19, and we now report the action taken. As well as the immediate family, those invited included current and former Heads of State, members of Her Majesty’s Government and Opposition, Members of both Houses of Parliament and individuals with a personal connection to Baroness Thatcher (and the cost was met from City’s Cash, within the approved cost parameters).

This was a full Court event.

Received.

(Michael Welbank, Deputy)

26 February 2013

Fenchurch and Monument Area Enhancement Strategy - Adoption of Strategy

Your Committee seeks approval for the adoption of the revised Fenchurch and Monument Area Enhancement Strategy which analyses the public realm and transportation network within the Fenchurch Street, Monument and Cannon Street areas of the City and a separately printed and circulated report has been submitted thereon.

The Strategy identifies current issues, considers future demand and sets out a framework for addressing these within the context of existing policies and guidance. It also identifies and prioritises projects arising from the Strategy and indicates a funding strategy for delivery.

 A copy of the Fenchurch and Monument Area Enhancement Strategy has been made available in the Members’ Reading Room and we recommend that it be adopted.

PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

(Michael Welbank, Deputy)

26 February 2013

Fenchurch and Monument Area Enhancement Strategy - Adoption of Strategy

Your Committee seeks approval for the adoption of the revised Fenchurch and Monument Area Enhancement Strategy which analyses the public realm and transportation network within the Fenchurch Street, Monument and Cannon Street areas of the City and a separately printed and circulated report has been submitted thereon.

The Strategy identifies current issues, considers future demand and sets out a framework for addressing these within the context of existing policies and guidance. It also identifies and prioritises projects arising from the Strategy and indicates a funding strategy for delivery.

 A copy of the Fenchurch and Monument Area Enhancement Strategy has been made available in the Members’ Reading Room and we recommend that it be adopted.

Read and agreed to.

“That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business below on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972:-

A) action taken under urgency procedures approving recommendations of the Property Investment Board concerning the options for the refurbishment of 35/37 Alfred Place , WC1;

B) action taken under urgency procedures approving recommendations of the Property Investment Board concerning the leasehold interest in the City Fund property, 42 New Broad Street;

C) recommendations of the Audit and Risk Management Committee concerning the appointment of Non Local Authority Fund Auditors; and

D) recommendations of the Community and Children’s Services Committee concerning the options for the redevelopment of the Community Centre at Avondale Square Estate.

Resolved – That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business below on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972:-

Summary of exempt items considered whilst the public were excluded

The Court:-

A) noted action taken under urgency procedures approving recommendations of the Property Investment Board concerning the options for the refurbishment of 35/37 Alfred Place , WC1;

B) noted action taken under urgency procedures approving recommendations of the Property Investment Board concerning the leasehold interest in the City Fund property, 42 New Broad Street;

C) approved recommendations of the Audit and Risk Management Committee concerning the appointment of Non Local Authority Fund Auditors; and

D) approved recommendations of the Community and Children’s Services Committee concerning the options for the redevelopment of the Community Centre at Avondale Square Estate.

The meeting commenced at 1p.m. and ended at 2.55p.m.

BARRADELL.