Agenda and minutes

The Town Clerk reported that the Lord Mayor was unable to preside over this meeting of the Court. Accordingly, this day was produced and read in Court a Warrant, signed by the Right Honourable The Lord Mayor, appointing Alderman Dame Fiona Woolf as Locum Tenens to transact all the business appertaining to the Office of Mayoralty of this City during his absence.

The Chief Commoner welcomed the new Alderman for the Ward of Portsoken, Prem Goyal OBE JP, to his first meeting of the Court of Common Council. Alderman Goyal was heard in reply.

The apologies of those Members unable to attend this meeting of the Court were noted.

Deputy John Absalom reminded the Court of his registered pecuniary interest in respect of Item 26, advising that he would be withdrawing from discussion during consideration of that Item.

To agree the minutes of the meeting of the Court of Common Council held on 11 January 2018.

Resolved – That the Minutes of the last Court are correctly recorded, subject to the resolution of congratulations to Rosamund Sweet being amended to congratulate her on her appointment as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

Deputy Jamie Ingham Clark spoke to introduce a resolution of thanks to Michael Welbank, who had recently retired from the Court. Prior to delivering the formal resolution, he spoke informally to reference some of Mr Welbanks’ personal and professional achievements, including those elements of his career which had taken place outside of the United Kingdom.

Resolved unanimously – That, on his retirement from this Honourable Court, Members wish to place on record their most sincere thanks to:-

John Michael Welbank, M.B.E.

his dedication to the work of the City Corporation since his election in 2005.

Over the past 13 years, Michael has served on more than 20 committees and contributed an enormous amount of time to our activities. Foremost amongst his achievements are his incredibly successful chairmanships, including of the Hampstead Heath Highgate Wood & Queen’s Park Committee, where he skilfully guided the City Corporation through the murky waters of the Hampstead Heath ponds project. Thanks to his valiant efforts, the only floods we need fear now are the floods of tears from disappointed officers and Members, who will miss his sage counsel.

It would be remiss of me not to also mention his Chairmanship of the Planning & Transportation Committee, during which time he championed the issue of road danger reduction – and he will leave a real and lasting legacy in the City through the Bank Junction safety scheme, of which he was a passionate advocate.

Michael’s civic career culminated in his becoming Chief Commoner in 2016 and those of us on this Court owe him a debt of gratitude for the charismatic, approachable, and above all good-humoured way in which he led us during his term of office. He was also honoured to be awarded an MBE, for which this Court has already congratulated him.

In taking their leave

The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor to report on his recent overseas visits.

There was no report.

To receive a statement from the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee.

There was no statement.

There were no docquets for the seal.

To consider a circulated list of applications for the Freedom of the City.

The Chamberlain, in pursuance of the Order of this Court, presented a list of the under-mentioned, persons who had made applications to be admitted to the Freedom of the City by Redemption:-

To receive a report setting out measures introduced into Parliament which may have an effect on the services provided by the City Corporation.

The Court received a report on measures introduced by Parliament which might have an effect on the services provided by the City Corporation as follows:-

Read.

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

The Town Clerk to report the outcome of the ballot taken at the last Court:

¬ denotes appointed.

Five Members to the Capital Buildings Committee.

The Town Clerk reported the result of a ballot taken at the last Court, as follows:-

Five Members to the Capital Buildings Committee.

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Alderman Alison Gowman, Christopher Hayward, Deputy Edward Lord, Alderman Ian Luder and Sir Michael Snyder to be appointed to the Capital Buildings Committee

To consider the following appointments:

* denotes a Member standing for re-appointment

(A)         One Member on the Board of Governors of the City of London School for Girls,for the balance of a term expiring July 2018.

Nominations received:-

Tijs Broeke

(B)         Five Members on the Barbican Residential Committee, for varying terms.

Nominations received:-

Matthew Bell

(C)         One Member on the Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, for a three-year term expiring in March 2021.

Nominations received:-

Jeremy Paul Mayhew

(D)       Three Members on the Guild Church Council of St Lawrence Jewry,for one-year terms expiring in March 2019.

Nominations received:-

*Roger Arthur Holden Chadwick, Deputy

*Simon D’Olier Duckworth, O.B.E., DL

*GregoryPercy Jones, Q.C., Alderman

The Court proceeded to consider appointments to the following Committees and outside bodies:-

* denotes a Member standing for re-appointment

(A)      One Member on the Board of Governors of the City of London School for Girls, for the balance of a term expiring July 2018.

          Nominations received:-

          Tijs Broeke

          Read.

          Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Tijs Broeke to be appointed to the Board of Governors of the City of London School for Girls.

(B)      Five Members on the Barbican Residential Committee, for varying terms.

          Nominations received:-

          Matthew Bell

          Read.

          Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Matthew Bell to be appointed to the Barbican Residential Committee.

(C)      One Member on the Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, for a three-year term expiring in March 2021.

          Nominations received:-

          Jeremy Paul Mayhew

          Read.

          Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Jeremy Mayhew to be appointed to the Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

(D)      Three Members on the Guild Church Council of St Lawrence Jewry, for one-year terms expiring in March 2019.

          Nominations received:-

          *Roger Arthur Holden Chadwick, Deputy

          *Simon D’Olier Duckworth, O.B.E., DL

          *Gregory Percy Jones, Q.C., Alderman

          Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Deputy Roger Chadwick, Simon Duckworth, and Alderman Gregory Jones to be appointed to the Guild Church Council of St Lawrence Jewry.

(A)      To appoint three Common Councilmen to The Honourable The Irish Society, for three year terms expiring in March 2021:

* denotes a Member standing for re-appointment

Nominations received:-

*Christopher Michael Hayward

*Richard David Regan, O.B.E., Deputy

*Ian Christopher Norman Seaton

(B)      To note that Alderman Vincent Keaveny and Alderman William Russell will continue to serve as the appointed Aldermen on The Honourable The Irish Society, having previously been appointed for terms expiring in March 2020.

(C)      To note that Alderman Sir Andrew Parmley has been nominated by the Court of Aldermen to become Governor of The Honourable The Irish Society and endorse his appointment for a three-year term, expiring March 2021.

(A)      The Court proceeded to consider the appointment of three Common Councilmen to The Honourable The Irish Society, for terms of three years.

*denotes a Member standing for re-appointment

Nominations received:-

*Christopher Michael Hayward

*Richard David Regan, OBE, Deputy

*Ian Christopher Norman Seaton

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Christopher Hayward, Deputy Richard Regan and Ian Seaton to be appointed to The Honourable The Irish Society.

(B)      The Court noted that Alderman Vincent Keaveny and Alderman William Russell would continue to serve as the Aldermanic representatives on The Honourable The Irish Society, having previously been appointed for terms of three years.

(C)      The Court endorsed the appointment of Alderman Sir Andrew Parmley as Governor of The Honourable The Irish Society for a three-year term expiring in 2021, with a Deputy Governor to be appointed by the Court of The Honourable The Irish Society.

Affordable Housing

Deputy Tom Hoffman asked a question of the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee concerning the City Corporation’s commitment to the provision of affordable housing through the construction of 3,700 new homes. The Member emphasised the importance of such housing being available for key workers required to maintain vital services.

In response, the Chairman reiterated the details of the City Corporation’s commitment, outlining the planned housing products and confirming that new social rented homes would be let in accordance with the Housing Act 1996. She explained that, although specific job roles would not be targeted, priority would be given those with specific housing needs and those on low incomes.  She also advised that the newly established Housing Delivery Programme Working Party would oversee these developments, working with the Social Investment Board where appropriate.

In response to a supplementary question from Deputy Hoffman regarding collaboration with NHS Foundation Trusts to identify land they might be able to release for affordable housing developments for nurses, the Chairman advised that she would welcome the opportunity to explore collaboration with health partners on developments at suitable sites in due course.

Deputy James Thomson asked a further supplementary question in the context of the nine-month anniversary of the Grenfell Fire, asking if more could be done to accelerate the slow progress to date by asking officers to explore partnerships with the NHS, GLA, Homes England and other London Boroughs. He suggested that a detailed report on the latest position, as well as the potential for the City Corporation to support a housing delivery vehicle, be brought to the next meeting.

Replying, the Chairman agreed that an update report should come to the Court but cautioned that the next meeting would likely be too soon for a sufficiently detailed report to be produced.

There were no motions.

To receive reports of the Chairman of the Markets Committee and the Chairman of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee advising of the recent receipt of awards.

The Court received reports of the Chairman of the Markets Committee and the Chairman of the Culture, Heritage & Libraries Committee, advising of the recent receipt of several awards.

To consider the findings of the review undertaken by the Standards Regime Working Party in respect of the City Corporation’s current Standards Framework.

STANDARDS REGIME REVIEW WORKING PARTY

(Emma Edhem)

21 February 2018

Independent Review of the City of London’s Standards Regime

This report provided the findings of the review undertaken by the Standards Regime Working Party regarding the Corporation’s current Standards Framework, in particular the Complaints Procedure (alleged breaches of the Members’ Code of Conduct). The report outlined the consideration given to a review undertaken by Mr Charles Bourne QC and his report (“the Report”), who was appointed by the Town Clerk to examine the Standards Framework, and provided both findings and recommendations on how to improve the current arrangements. 

It was recommended that the Court of Common Council approve the responses proposed in respect of the recommendations set out in the Report, along with the revised Code of Conduct, Complaints Procedure and Guidance to Members on the Code of Conduct as appended.

The Chairman spoke to introduce the item and thanked those Members who had served on the Working Party and those who had participated in the various consultation exercises for their input.

James Tumbridge spoke to express a concern in relation to the possibility that not attending training on the Code of Conduct might be considered an aggravating feature when considering the imposition of sanctions. The Chairman, responding, explained that this was intended to incentivise Members to participate in the training and clarified that multiple opportunities would be provided to undertake it. She further clarified that there was only the possibility that it might be considered an aggravating factor, such decision to be taken by the Panel. This would be in cases where there were, for example, repeated refusals to undertake training.

Resolved – That the Court of Common Council approve the responses proposed in respect of the recommendations set out in the Report, along with the revised Code of

To consider reports of the Policy and Resources Committee, as follows:-

POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

(Catherine McGuinness, Deputy)

(A)Corporate Plan – to consider the Corporate Plan for 2018-23.

For Decision

18 January 2018

(A) Corporate Plan

The Policy and Resources Committee had considered and approved a refreshed Corporate Plan for 2018-23, which was to be used as a strategic framework to guide the City Corporation’s thinking and decision-making over the next five years. It was also intended to help to ensure that everything the City Corporation did took it closer to achieving its stated aims and objectives.

It was recommended that the refreshed Corporate Plan, 2018-23, be approved as set out in Appendix 1.

Resolved – That that the refreshed Corporate Plan, 2018-23, be approved as set out in Appendix 1.

(B) Report of Urgent Action Taken: London Councils Grant Scheme Levy –

reporting on action taken under urgency procedures in approving the 2018/19

London Councils Grants Scheme Levy.

For Information

25 January 2018

(B) Report of Urgent Action Taken: London Councils Grant Scheme Levy

The City of London Corporation is responsible for issuing the annual levies for subscriptions to all the constituent councils of the London Councils Grants Scheme (LCGS).  The Court of Common Council can only consider the levies if at least two-thirds of the constituent councils (i.e. 22 out of 33 of the London local authorities) have approved the total expenditure to be incurred under the Grants Scheme.

Having received confirmation from London Councils that the budget had been agreed by over two thirds of the Constituent Councils, the approval of the Court was sought under the urgency procedures to issue the levies before the statutory deadline of 15 February 2017. 

The Court of Common Council was therefore recommended to note that on 25 January 2018, approval was given in accordance with Standing Order No. 19 to issue the levies as set out in the appendix to the report.

Resolved – That the report be received.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

(Jeremy Paul Mayhew)

(A) City Fund 2018/19 Budget Report and Medium Term Financial Strategy –

to approve the budget for 2018/19.

For Decision

20 February 2018

(A) City Fund 2018/19 Budget Report and Medium Term Financial Strategy

The Court proceeded to consider a report of the Finance Committee presenting the overall financial position of the City Fund (i.e. the Corporation’s finances relating to Local Government, Police and Port Health services) recommending that:

·         the Council Tax for 2018/19 remains unchanged from 2017/18; and

·         The Business Rate Premium is unchanged.

The Chairman spoke to introduce the budget and clarify a number of elements, following which a number of Members took the opportunity to ask questions. In response, the Chairman observed that specific funding requirements relating to the City Police’s budget would be considered as part of the overall budget setting process, prior to any decision as to an increase to the Business Rate Premium. This was by no means ruling out any increase; indeed, notice had been provided to ratepayers at this year’s annual meeting that such an increase might be forthcoming. However, the Chairman was clear that any decision should only be made once the budgetary position was confirmed and it was then possible to ascertain whether an increase to the premium was necessary.

Resolved – That that the report be agreed to and that the Court do pass a Resolution in the following terms:-

1.         that for the 2018/19 financial year the Court of Common Council approves:

·         the Premium multiplier on the Non-Domestic Rate and Small Business Rate multipliers be set at 0.005, to enable the City to continue to support the City of London Police and security and contingency planning activity within the Square Mile at an enhanced level;

·         an unchanged Council Tax of £857.31 for a Band D property (excluding the GLA precept);

·         the overall financial framework and the revised Medium Term Financial Strategy for the City Fund; and

·         the City

(B) Revenue and Capital Budgets 2017/18 and 2018/19 – to receive the latest revenue budgets for 2017/18, approve the revenue budgets for 2018/19, and approve the capital budgets.

20 February 2018

(B) Revenue and Capital Budgets 2017/18 and 2018/19

The Court was presented with a report which summarised the revenue and capital budgets for each of the City’s three main funds, City Fund, City’s Cash and Bridge House Estates together with the budgets for central support services within Guildhall Administration (which initially ‘holds’ such costs before these are wholly apportioned).  The report accompanied the Summary Budget Book which included all the City’s budgets at a summary level in a single document and was available in the Members’ Reading Room and on the City Corporation’s website.

The Court was recommended to approve the revenue and capital budgets for City’s Cash, Bridge House Estates and Guildhall Administration for the financial year 2018/19 (the budgets for City Fund having already been considered under part A above).

Resolved – That:-

·           the latest revenue budgets for 2017/18 be noted;

·           the 2018/19 revenue budgets be agreed, subject to any amendments on the City Fund that may be agreed in relation to the report on ‘City Fund – 2018/19 Budget Report and Medium Term Financial Strategy’;

·           the capital budgets be agreed; and

·           authority be delegated to the Chamberlain to determine the financing of the capital budgets.

Further resolved - That the thanks of the Court be given to the Chairman of the Finance Committee for his introduction to the budget reports before the Court this day and that a copy be circulated to every Member in the usual way.

To consider several applications relating to the provision of hospitality.

HOSPITALITY WORKING PARTY OF THE POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

(Wendy Mead, O.B.E., Chief Commoner)

23 January 2018

Applications for Hospitality

(A)  Afternoon reception following the Installation of the Bishop of London

It was announced in December 2017 that the Bishop of Crediton, the Right Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, DBE had been appointed as the 133^rd Bishop of London. It was the first time a woman would have been appointed to the position.

The City Corporation had a longstanding relationship with the Diocese of London. Previous holders of the position having been regular participants at many events in the City and, in both 1991 and 1996 following the installation of previous Bishops of London, the City Corporation hosted receptions for the newly appointed Bishop.

It was therefore proposed that the City Corporation host an afternoon reception at Guildhall following the installation service at St Paul’s Cathedral. This occasion would provide the City with an opportunity to welcome the new Bishop and to build on the City’s relationship with the Diocese of London. Guests would include senior representatives from the Church, Government, City institutions, faith organisations, Livery Companies and representatives from the Diocese of London.

It was therefore recommended that hospitality be granted for an afternoon reception, with arrangements made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

This would be a full Court event.

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for an afternoon reception, with arrangements made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

(b)    (B) Doggett’s Coat and Badge Race Exhibition in Guildhall Yard

The Doggett’s Coat and Badge Race is the oldest rowing race in the world. Every year, since 1715,

To consider the two reports of the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee, as follows:-

PORT HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

(Jeremy Lewis Simons)

(A)      Animal Reception Centre: Annual Review of Charges – to consider the annual review of charges for the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre.

For Decision

16 January 2018

(A) Animal Reception Centre – Heathrow Airport: Annual Review of Charges

It is necessary to submit periodic recommendations to the Court for an increase to be applied to the Schedule of Charges in respect of services provided at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC), for the forthcoming financial year.

The Byelaws, incorporating a new schedule of charges for the services provided, were set out in Appendix A to the report and the Committee recommended approval thereof; the Comptroller and City Solicitor being instructed to seal the Byelaws accordingly.

Resolved – That the Byelaws, as set out in Appendix A to the report, be approved and the Comptroller and City Solicitor being instructed to seal the Byelaws accordingly.

(B)    Illegal Street Trading – to consider proposals concerning enforcement activity relative to illegal street trading.

For Decision

23 February 2018

(B) Illegal Street Trading

At the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee of 21 November 2017, Members agreed that the City Corporation should enter a Section 101 (s.101) Agreement with the London Borough of Southwark, which would allow City Corporation officers to take enforcement action against illegal street traders on the area of Millennium Bridge that falls within the London Borough of Southwark. It was further agreed that, if officers were to negotiate a similar agreement with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, they had the Committee’s permission to enter into a s.101 Agreement with the Borough.

Subsequent to this meeting, the Comptroller and City Solicitor had advised that the entering into of s.101 agreements should be authorised by the Court of Common Council and that the Scheme of Delegations would need to be amended, delegating the new enforcement functions to Port Health and Environmental Services Committee and specified chief officers. Those delegations would be subject to the s.101 agreement(s) being entered into.

The Court was therefore recommended to grant these requisite authorities and approve the necessary amendments to the Scheme of Delegations.

Resolved – That:-

·      Authority be granted for the City of London Corporation to enter into agreement(s) with the London Borough of Southwark under s.101 of the Local Government Act 1972, to enable each authority to discharge the other’s street trading enforcement powers in defined areas;

·      Authority be granted for the City of London Corporation to enter into an agreement with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets under s.101 of the Local Government Act 1972, to enable the City of London Corporation to discharge Tower Hamlet’s street trading enforcement powers on the northern half of Tower Bridge once a suitable arrangement has been reached; and,

·      Subject to the agreement(s) being entered into:

(i)       the street

To consider the draft pay policy statement for 2018/19.

ESTABLISHMENT COMMITTEE

(The Revd. Stephen Decatur Haines, Deputy)

20February 2018

Draft Pay Policy Statement 2018/19

The Localism Act 2011 requires the City of London Corporation to prepare and publish a Pay Policy Statement setting out its approach to pay for the most senior and junior members of staff. This must be agreed each year by the full Court of Common Council.

The statement, having been updated for 2018/19 and approved by both the Establishment Committee and Policy and Resources Committee, was therefore presented to the Court of Common Council with the recommendation that it be approved.

Resolved – that the draft Pay Policy Statement for 2018/19, as set out in the Appendix to the report, be approved.

To receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the appointment of a co-opted Member.

STANDARDS COMMITTEE

(Oliver Arthur Wynlayne Lodge)

12 January 2018

Report of Urgent Action Taken: Reappointment of Co-opted Member

The Court received a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the appointment of Judith Barnes as a co-opted Member of the Standards Committee. This decision was taken in view of the pressing need to ensure that an adequate number of co-opted Members were available to be present at meetings of the Standards Committee and its sub-committees. This matter was particularly relevant given the requirement to schedule two Assessment Sub-Committee meetings, both of which required a co-opted Member to make them quorate.

The Town Clerk had consequently approved the Standards Committee’s request for an urgent decision in relation to the formal re-appointment of Judith Barnes as a co-opted member of the Standards Committee for a second and final four-year term of office (expiring February 2022) under Standing Order No. 19.  

Resolved – That the report be received.

To receive a report providing an update on the progress made in the five years since the Court approved the establishment of a Social Investment Fund.

SOCIAL INVESTMENT BOARD

(Peter Lionel Raleigh Hewitt, Alderman)

28 February 2018

Social Investment Fund: The First Five Years

The City of London Corporation’s Social Investment Fund was established in May 2012 in order to produce a positive social impact, whilst also helping to develop the social investment market through the influence of the Corporation and by demonstrating that social investment could be a financially viable model. £20million was allocated to this Fund from the assets of the Bridge House Estates charity, of which the City of London Corporation is the sole Trustee.

The Social Investment Board, at the time of its creation, undertook to provide regular

updates on its progress. In its first five years it achieved an IRR of 4.7% (gross), which is 2% in excess of the initial target. This demonstrated that, by making socially responsible investments, it was possible to have a positive social impact without compromising on financial returns. This was the City Corporation’s original intention in establishing the Fund, namely to demonstrate that social investment was a credible investment medium.

The Court therefore received a report updating it on the activities of the Social Investment Fund during its first five years, including details of the Fund’s financial performance, areas of investment, the Fund’s investment commitments to date and plans for the Fund for the next five years.

Resolved – That the progress made on the work of the Fund since it was established be noted.

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 Paragraphs 1 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

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:-

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting of the Court held on 11 January 2018.

Resolved – that the non-public Minutes of the last Court are correctly recorded.

To consider proposals concerning the Strategic Review of Markets.

Markets Committee

The Court approved proposals concerning a strategic review of the City Corporation’s markets.

To consider a joint report concerning a staffing matter.

Establishment Committee and The City Bridge Trust Committee

The Court approved proposals concerning a staffing matter.

To receive reports of the Police Committee, as follows:-

Police Committee

The Court:-

(A)Report of Urgent Action Taken: Reversionary Lease – to receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures relative to an agreement concerning a reversionary lease.

(A)  received a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to a lease; and,

(B) Report of Urgent Action Taken: Action and Know Fraud – to receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the City Police’s Action and Know Fraud Centre.

For Information

(B) received a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the City Police’s Action and Know Fraud Centre.

To receive reports of the Property Investment Board, as follows:-

Property Investment Board

The Court:-

(A)Report of Urgent Action Taken: Major Refurbishment and Renovation – to receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures concerning the major refurbishment and renovation of a property.

For Information

(A)  received a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the major refurbishment and renovation of a property; and

(B)      Report of Urgent Action Taken: Long-Leasehold Purchase – to receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures concerning the acquisition of a long-leasehold.

(B) received a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the purchase of a leasehold.