Agenda and minutes

Venue: Guildhall

Contact: Gregory Moore 

Items
No. Item

Locum Tenens

The Town Clerk reported that the Lord Mayor was unable to preside over this meeting of the Court as he was engaged on an official visit to Australia. Accordingly, this day was produced and read in Court a Warrant, signed by the Right Honourable The Lord Mayor, appointing Alderman Ian Luder as Locum Tenens to transact all the business appertaining to the Office of Mayoralty of this City during his absence.

1.

Introduction of Newly-Elected Members

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.:

 

Name

Ward

Dawn Linsey Wright

Coleman Street

John Ernest Edwards

Farringdon Within

 

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2.

Apologies

Minutes:

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

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3.

Declarations by Members under the Code of Conduct in respect of any items on the agenda

Minutes:

There were none.

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4.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 179 KB

To agree the minutes of the meeting of the Court of Common Council held on 18 July 2019.

 

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Minutes:

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

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5.

Resolutions on Retirements, Congratulatory Resolutions, Memorials.

Minutes:

There were none.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

Mayoral Visits

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

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Minutes:

There was no report.

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7.

Policy Statement

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

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Minutes:

The Policy Chair spoke to update Members on Brexit readiness, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) preparedness, and international engagement.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

Docquets for the Hospital Seal.

Minutes:

There were no docquets to be sealed.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

The Freedom of the City pdf icon PDF 107 KB

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

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Minutes:

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:-

 

David Thomas Banning Wigg 

a Journalist / Broadcaster

Chelsea, London

 

Mervyn Doreen Redding

Citizen and Basketmaker

 

 

Lawrence John Day

Citizen and Maker of Playing Cards

 

 

 

Dr Otto Von Feigenblatt 

an Academic

Loxahatchea, Florida, United States of America

 

Frederick Joseph Trowman

Citizen and Loriner

 

 

Donald Mostyn Morris

Citizen and Distiller

 

 

 

Joshua William Elvin 

a Student

Wokingham, Berkshire

 

Elizabeth Mary Elvin

Citizen and Glover

 

 

Ann Elizabeth Esslemont

 

Citizen and Glover

 

 

Aleksander Adam  Laskawer 

a Technology Manager

Casekow, Poland

 

Michael Richard Adkins

Citizen and Water Conservator

 

 

John Parry

 

Citizen and Loriner

 

 

Ellen Elizabeth Murphy 

a Technology Support Manager

Great Totham, Essex

 

Nicholas John Anstee, Ald.

Citizen and Butcher

 

 

John Douglas Chapman, CC

 

Citizen and Common Councilman

 

 

Henry James Redknapp

a Football Manager, retired

Poole, Dorset

 

Gordon Warwick Haines

Citizen and Needlemaker

 

 

Caroline Wilma Haines, CC

 

Citizen and Educator

 

 

Grace Enatufe

a Cleaner

Deptford, London

 

Timothy Russell Hailes, Ald., JP

Citizen and International Banker

 

 

Marianne Bernadette Fredericks, CC

 

Citizen and Baker

 

 

Denise Anne Kennedy 

a Tour Manager and Guide, retired

Muswell Hill, London

 

Christopher Thomas Edge 

Citizen and Chartered Secretary & Administrator

 

 

Derek Francis Forbes 

Citizen and Gold & Silver Wyre Drawers

 

 

 

Brian Frederick Shailer 

a Banker, retired

Twickenham, London

 

Clive Albert Francis Lambert 

Citizen and Carman

 

 

David John Inker 

Citizen and Carman

 

 

 


Karina Bagration

a Company President

Kiev, Ukraine

 

Frederick Joseph Trowman

Citizen and Loriner

 

 

David Robert Boston

Citizen and Gold & Silver Wyre Drawer

 

 

 

Penelope Jane Cox McNeill Love 

a Registered Nurse

Salisbury, Wiltshire

 

Deputy Richard David Regan, OBE

Citizen and Cutler

 

 

Anne Regan

 

Citizen and Fletcher

 

 

Christopher William James 

a Car Cleaning Company Director

Brentwood, Essex

 

Peter Desmond Robinson

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

Legislation pdf icon PDF 60 KB

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

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Minutes:

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:-

 

Statutory Instruments

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 S.I. No. 1093

The Regulations will prohibit the commercial sale of puppies and kittens aged under six months, which were not bred by the licence holder.  The Regulations are of interest to the Common Council owing to its responsibility for the enforcement of animal welfare legislation across London.

Date in force

6th April 2020

 

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

 

Read.

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11.

Appointments

To consider the following appointments:

 

(A)      One Member on the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee, for the balance of a term expiring April 2020.

 

Nominations received:-

John Ernest Edwards

 

(B)      Three Members on the Markets Committee, for the balance of terms expiring in April 2020.

 

Nominations received:-

Deputy Philip Woodhouse

 

(C)      One Member on the City Bridge Trust Committee, for the balance of a term expiring April 2021.

 

Nominations received:-

Deputy Richard David Regan, O.B.E.

 

(D)      One Member on the Board of Governors of the Museum of London, for a term expiring in September 2023.

 

Nominations received:-

Randall Keith Anderson

Mark Bostock

Tijs Broeke

John Petrie

Jeremy Lewis Simons

 

 

 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

Minutes:

The Court proceeded to consider appointments to the following Committees and Outside Bodies:-

 

(A)      One Member on the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee, for the balance of a term expiring April 2020.

 

Nominations received:-

John Ernest Edwards

 

Read.

 

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared John Edwards to be appointed to the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee.

 

(B)      Three Members on the Markets Committee, for the balance of terms expiring in April 2020.

 

Nominations received:-

Deputy Philip Woodhouse

 

Read.

 

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Deputy Philip Woodhouse to be appointed to the Markets Committee.

 

(C)      One Member on the City Bridge Trust Committee, for the balance of a term expiring April 2021.

 

Nominations received:-

Deputy Richard David Regan, O.B.E.

 

Read.

 

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Deputy Richard Regan to be appointed to the City Bridge Trust Committee.

 

(D)      One Member on the Board of Governors of the Museum of London, for a term expiring in September 2023.

 

Nominations received:-

Randall Keith Anderson

Mark Bostock

Tijs Broeke

John Petrie

Jeremy Lewis Simons

 

Read.

 

The Court proceeded, in accordance with Standing Order No.10, to ballot on the foregoing contested vacancies.

 

The Lord Mayor appointed the Chief Commoner and the Chairman of the Finance Committee, or their representatives, to be the scrutineers of the ballots.

 

Resolved – That the votes be counted at the conclusion of the Court and the results printed in the Summons for the next meeting.

 

 

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12.

Questions

Minutes:

Support for EU nationals in the City

Tijs Broeke asked a question of the Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee regarding the provision of advice and support services for EU nationals living and working in the City.

 

In response, the Chair agreed that it was unacceptable for there to be any uncertainty about the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and noted that the City Corporation had continued to highlight to Government the importance of access to talent after Brexit, in both public and private, over the past three years.  She observed that, after Brexit, it was clear the UK required an immigration system that would allow businesses to access the people they need and noted that the global mix of people was a crucial part of London’s position as a global financial centre.

 

The Chair noted the assistance being provided by the City Corporation to residents who were EU citizens, with staff at Barbican and Community Libraries assisting people with making online applications for UK visas and citizenship via library computers and library staff assisting EU citizens with registering for Settled Status. City Corporation employees had been consistently advised and offered assistance to make sure that all were aware of the Settled Status scheme, and the City had commissioned adverts, newsletters and used a series of media interventions to warn small and medium enterprises of the need to prepare for a No Deal Brexit. These efforts would continue and intensify in the lead up to 31 October.

 

Replying to a supplementary question from Tijs Broeke concerning the electoral rights of EU nationals after Brexit, the Chair noted that the Honourable Member had now been provided with some detail on the technical law regarding the electoral rights of EU nationals in Common Council elections. She added that

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

13.

Motions pdf icon PDF 66 KB

(A) By Deputy Richard Regan, O.B.E.

“That John Ernest Edwards be appointed to the Markets Committee for the Ward of

Farringdon Within, in the room of Thomas Anderson (who is no longer on the Court), and also to the Planning and Transportation Committee, in the room of Karina Dostalova?”

For Decision

 

(B) By Deputy Michael Cassidy, C.B.E.

“That Dawn Linsey Wright be appointed to the Markets Committee and the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, for the Ward of Coleman Street, in the room of Stuart Fraser (who is no longer on the Court)?”

For Decision

 

(C) By Dominic Christian

To consider a Motion, submitted by Dominic Christian, in relation to a sport and physical activity strategy.

For Decision

(Pages X – X)

 

 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 13.

Minutes:

(A)      Resolved – That John Ernest Edwards be appointed to the Markets Committee for the Ward of Farringdon Within, in the room of Thomas Anderson (who is no longer on the Court), and also to the Planning and Transportation Committee, in the room of Karina Dostalova.

 

(B)     Resolved – That Dawn Linsey Wright be appointed to the Markets Committee and to the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, for the Ward of Coleman Street, in the room of Stuart Fraser (who is no longer on the Court).

 

(C)     Motion That this Honourable Court welcomes the development of a Sport & Physical Activity Strategy for the City of London Corporation which will enhance the City’s contribution to London’s cultural and community life; build on the existing work of our open spaces, schools, and academies; and support our commitment to the health and wellbeing of City residents, workers, and visitors.

 

In guiding Officers as they draft the Corporation’s strategic vision for sport and physical activity, the Court believes that:

·         Sport inspires competitors to achieve the best they can, and celebrates both winning and taking part;

·         Sport and physical activity enables participants of all ages to live healthier more active lives;

·         Sport unifies society: it is the ultimate social inclusion with participants and spectators drawn together from all backgrounds, helping to develop more cohesive communities; 

·         Sport produces significant social return, for example by improving mental health and reducing crime, including diverting young people away from gang and knife crime;

·         Sport teaches fusion skills which enhance employability, such as teamwork and resilience;

·         Sport contributes to London’s global brand in offering a comprehensive attractive package to businesses and their staff in a way few other cities can;

·         Sport enhances the Corporation’s convening power by providing networking opportunities to bring people together informally.

 

Moreover, this Court

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14.

Awards and Prizes

Minutes:

There was no report.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

15.

Policy and Resources Committee pdf icon PDF 94 KB

To consider a number of minor amendments to Standing Orders.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 15.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

 

(Deputy Catherine McGuinness)

4 July 2019

Standing Orders: Light Touch Review

Over recent years, a number of ad hoc amendments had been made to the City Corporation’s Standing Orders. It had become apparent that a small number of inconsistencies had crept in over time which needed to be corrected; in addition, a handful of legislative changes which had come into force in recent years were not wholly reflected within the latest document.

 

A light-touch review had, therefore, been undertaken to correct any inconsistencies in the Standing Orders, to provide further clarity where necessary, and to bring them up to date with legislation.

 

As the Committee responsible for the review and co-ordination of the governance of the City of London Corporation, including its committees, standing orders and outside bodies scheme, the Policy and Resources Committee now recommended the Court to approve the amended document accordingly.

 

Amendment – That Standing Order 14(1) be amended to read “a Member demanding a Division must stand for that purpose (if able to do so). A Division will not be allowed unless another 11 Members (i.e. 12 in total) stand in their places (if able to do so) to support the demand.”

 

Resolved – That the proposed changes to Standing Orders be approved as set out at Appendix 1, subject to the amendment passed in respect of Standing Order 14(1).

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16.

Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee pdf icon PDF 63 KB

To consider recommendations concerning the provision of hospitality.

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Minutes:

(a)      71st (City of London) Yeomanry Signal Regiment March and Reception

The 71st (City of London) Yeomanry Signal Regiment is a reserve regiment of the Royal Corps of Signals.  The Regiment was granted Privileged Status in March 2018 in recognition of their long-standing association with the City of London. The Regiment was planning a Service of Thanksgiving in January 2020 at St Andrew’s Holborn, following which, it wished to exercise its right to March through the City with “drums beating, flags flying and bayonets fixed”, culminating in Guildhall Yard. 

 

It is recommended that hospitality be granted for a lunchtime reception for the 71st (City of London) Yeomanry Signal Regiment following the March, with arrangements to be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the agreed parameters.

 

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for a lunchtime reception for the 71st (City of London) Yeomanry Signal Regiment following the March, with arrangements to be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the agreed parameters.

 

(b)      William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley lecture and reception 

William Cecil, Lord Burghley (1520-1598), was the chief minister of Elizabeth I and the leading political and diplomatic figure for most of her reign. He had numerous civic, commercial and political connections with the City.

 

To mark the 500th anniversary of William Cecil’s birth, it was proposed that the City Corporation, in conjunction with Gresham College and the Lord Burghley 500 Foundation, host a lecture on the City of London and Elizabethan Court, followed by an early evening reception and small dinner. It was, therefore, recommended that hospitality be granted for a lecture, early evening reception

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

17.

Police Authority Board pdf icon PDF 52 KB

To receive the annual report providing a summary of the City of London Police’s activities and performance over the past financial year.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 17.

Minutes:

POLICE AUTHORITY BOARD

 

(Doug Barrow)

16 May 2019

City of London Police Annual Report

The Annual Report, setting out the achievements and performance of the City of London Police over the past financial year, was submitted to the Court for information.

 

The Chairman introduced the item to the Court and provided a comprehensive overview of the City Police’s achievements over the year, as well as a summary of the constructive challenge provided by the Police Authority Board across the period. The Chairman also took the opportunity to outline the outcomes of the London Bridge Inquest and update Members on the latest position in respect of Action Fraud,

 

Resolved – That the report be received.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

18.

Freedom Applications Committee pdf icon PDF 105 KB

To consider a recommendation in relation to an Honorary Freedom.

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Minutes:

FREEDOM APPLICATIONS COMMITTEE

 

(Alderman Sir David Wootton)

30 July 2019

The Honorary Freedom

Following the passing of a motion at Court of Common Council in January 2019, the Freedom Applications Committee had commenced the process which could lead to the removal of the Honorary Freedom awarded to Aung San Suu Kyi in 2017. In accordance with this process, the Freedom Applications Committee was required to deliberate on how to proceed and had considered a way forward and now made a recommendation to the Court of Common Council, proposing the suspension of Aung San Suu Kyi’s Honorary Freedom.

 

The Chairman spoke to introduce the report, explaining the rationale behind the proposals.

 

Munsur Ali spoke to make clear that his explicit intention throughout the process, including through the submission of his Motion in January 2019, was for the Honorary Freedom to be revoked. He observed that this had been made clear to all Members and expressed his firm belief that the Court had fully understood this when coming to its decision in January 2019. Consequently, he articulated his significant concerns that the will of the Court was not being followed.

 

Ruby Sayed spoke to support this position, noting that substantial debate had taken place over the past two years. The period of delay had served to demonstrate that the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar was only deteriorating and that Aung San Suu Kyi would not speak out against the atrocities taking place. The January 2019 Motion had been clear in that it was seeking revocation; furthermore, there was no established process for suspension and, consequently, the Freedom Applications Committee was now acting outside of the Court’s instructions and ultra vires, thereby undermining the Court’s sovereignty.

 

Amendment – That the recommendation be altered such that the word “suspended” be replaced with the word “revoked”,

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19.

The City Bridge Trust Committee pdf icon PDF 70 KB

To consider proposals relative to the financial thresholds associated with grant applications approved under delegated arrangements.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 19.

Minutes:

The City Bridge Trust Committee

 

(Dhruv Patel, O.B.E.)

25 July 2019

Thresholds for grant approvals under delegated powers

At its July 2019 meeting, your City Bridge Trust Committee agreed to adjust the financial thresholds within which decisions on funding recommendations could be made by officers or the Chairman and Deputy Chairman under delegated powers. This was in order to increase the time available at meetings for discussion about strategy and wider policy issues.

 

These thresholds were last reviewed and set in 2014. Changes to them are subject to the final approval of the Court of Common Council and it was recommended that the proposed amendments to the delegations be approved.

 

Amendment – That recommendation (ii) be altered to require consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman and ensure a greater level of Member oversight.

 

Resolved – That that the levels of delegation in respect of the consideration of grant applications be adjusted so that:

(i)      Applications of up to £50,000 may be approved by the Chief Grants Officer & Director of City Bridge Trust (CGO).

(ii)      Applications of over £50,000 and up to £100,000 may be approved by the CGO, in consultation with the Chamberlain, Chairman, and Deputy Chairman.

(iii)       Applications of more than £100,000 are to be approved by the City Bridge Trust Committee.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

20.

By the Chief Commoner

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.

 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 20.

Minutes:

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:-

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21.

Non-Public Minutes

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting of the Court held on 18 July 2019.

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Minutes:

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

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

22.

Policy and Resources Committee and Finance Committee

To receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the Markets Consolidation Programme.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 22.

Minutes:

Policy and Resources Committee and Finance Committee

The Court noted action taken under urgency procedures concerning the Markets Consolidation Programme.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

23.

Finance Committee

To consider reports of the Finance Committee, as follows:-

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Minutes:

Finance Committee

The Court:-

 

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23a

Report of Urgent Action Taken: Borrowing Arrangements

(A)Report of Urgent Action Taken: Borrowing Arrangements – to note action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the City Corporation’s Private Placement and Borrowing Arrangements.

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Minutes:

a)  noted action taken under urgency procedures concerning the City Corporation’s borrowing arrangements; and</AI32>

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23b

Report of Urgent Action Taken: Business Travel

(B)Report of Urgent Action Taken: Business Travel – to note action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the award of a contract for business travel services.

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Minutes:

b)  noted action taken under urgency procedures concerning the award of a contract for business travel services.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 23b

24.

Property Investment Board

To receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the disposal of a long-term leasehold interest.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 24.

Minutes:

Property Investment Board

The Court received a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures

concerning the disposal of a long-term lease.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.