Agenda and minutes

Venue: Guildhall

Contact: Gregory Moore 

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

Minutes:

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

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

2.

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

Minutes:

Alderman Alison Gowman declared an interest in respect of Item 14(C) as a Trustee of the London Road Safety Council charity.

 

Nicholas Bensted-Smith, Deputy Tom Hoffman and John Scott also took the opportunity to highlight their previously-declared appointments as Directors of Gresham College, with reference to Item 21.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

3.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 180 KB

To agree the minutes of the meeting of the Court of Common Council held on 5 December 2019.

 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 3.

Minutes:

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

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

4.

Resolutions on Retirements, Congratulatory Resolutions, Memorials

Minutes:

Resolved unanimously – That the sincere congratulations of this Court be offered to:-

 

Alderman Sir Peter Kenneth Estlin

 

on his recent appointment by Her Majesty the Queen as a Knight Batchelor, in recognition of services to International Business, Inclusion and Skills.

 

Resolved unanimously – That the sincere congratulations of this Court be offered to:-

 

Geoffrey Michael Boyd Pick, OBE

 

Director of the London Metropolitan Archives, on his recent appointment by Her Majesty the Queen as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition of services to Management of Records and Archives in London.

 

Resolved unanimously – That the sincere congratulations of this Court be offered to:-

 

Carol Boswarthack, MBE

 

the City Corporation’s Head of Barbican and Community Libraries, on her recent appointment by Her Majesty the Queen as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition of her services to libraries.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.

Mayoral Visits

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

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

Minutes:

The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor reported on his recent visits to Birmingham, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico and the United States of America.

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

6.

Policy Statement

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

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 6.

Minutes:

The Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee spoke to update the Court on the latest position in respect of the major projects being undertaken by the City Corporation, the Fundamental Review, the Governance Review, and support for the financial and professional services sector in the lead-up to Brexit and beyond.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.

Docquets for the Hospital Seal

Minutes:

There were no docquets to be sealed.

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

8.

The Freedom of the City pdf icon PDF 108 KB

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

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

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:-

 

Tessy Antony De Nassau

a Consultancy Company Director

Kensington, London

Paul  Barrow-Longain 

Citizen and Scrivener

 

William Alfred  Hackett

 

Citizen and Firefighter

 

Valerie Ann Barber

a Teaching Assistant

Stotfold, Hertfordshire

Jonathan Martin Averns

Citizen and Fletcher

 

Cdre David Andrew Harry McGregor Smith, CBE (RN)

 

Citizen and Cook

 

Dr Surjit Singh  Bhalla 

a Financial Adviser

Hounslow, London

Jasdev Singh Rehncy

Citizen and Mason

 

Brian Roy Jones

 

Citizen and Gold & Silver Wyre Drawer

 

Christopher Thomas  Bonner 

a Local Government Officer

North Finchley, London

Cdre David Andrew Harry McGregor Smith, CBE (RN)

Citizen and Cook

 

Lt Col Marcus Richard Appleton 

 

Citizen and Cook

 

Ewan James Graham Bramhall

a Teacher

Bookham, Surrey

Deputy Roger Arthur Holden Chadwick, OBE

Citizen and Bowyer

 

Deputy Philip Woodhouse

 

Citizen and Grocer

 

Richard James Alexander  Bridgwood 

an Entertainment Company Director

Cambridge,

Cambridgeshire

The Rt. Hon The Lord Mayor

 

 

Hilary Ann Russell 

 

Citizen and Farmer

 

Ruth Olive  Buckmaster 

a Teacher, retired

Hertfordshire

Alan Leslie Warman

Citizen and Clockmaker

 

Diane Irene Warman

 

Citizen and Clockmaker

 

Revd. Canon Stephen Martin  Burdett 

a Clerk in Holy Orders, retired

Essex

Patricia Agnes Campfield, MBE

Citizen and Wheelwright

 

Wendy Mead, OBE, CC

 

Citizen and Glover

 

Cdre Michael Edward Deeks

The Western Australian Agent General

Chelsea, London

Neil Graham Morgan Redcliffe

Citizen and Basketmaker

 

Paul Theodore Orchart

 

Citizen and International Banker

 

Oliver Max Dee-Shapland

a Chartered Surveyor

Deptford, London

George Niblett

Citizen and Mason

 

Martin Victor Edwards

 

Citizen and International Banker

 

Patrick Richard  Doran 

a Caterer, retired

Norfolk

Ald. Timothy Russell Hailes, JP

Citizen and Pewterer

 

Gregory Alfred Lawrence, CC

 

Citizen and Common Councillor

 

Anna Louise Dunne 

a Property Management

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

9.

Legislation pdf icon PDF 90 KB

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

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

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 Official Controls (Animals, Feed and Food, Plant Health Fees Etc.) Regulations 2019 S.I. No. 1488

This Regulation gives effect to EU legislation (Official Controls Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017/625). It introduces a risk-based approach to official controls and simplifies current rules extends the application of the rules to the entire agri-food chain. These controls on products of animal and non-animal origin are carried out by the City of London Corporation in its capacity as a port health authority

 

 The Official Feed and Food Controls (England) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 S.I. No. 1476

This Regulation gives effect to EU legislation (Official Controls Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017/625) and enables a proper functioning system of food and feed safety controls by amending and updating UK legislation to remove references to now repealed EU legislation.

 

Bills

The following Bills were included in the Queen’s Speech, but at the time of writing this report, only the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill has received a First Reading in Parliament. 

 

European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill

The Bill will implement in domestic law the Withdrawal Agreement which has been agreed between the UK and the EU. It will ensure that the UK leaves the EU with a deal on 31 January, provide for an implementation period ending on 31 December 2020, protect the rights of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens in UK law, and implement the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. The Bill now also provides that the UK may not agree to an extension of the implementation period.

 

Agriculture Bill

The Bill will replace the Common Agricultural Policy with a system based on ‘public money for public goods’, rewarding farmers for

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

10.

Appointments

To consider the following appointments:

Where appropriate:-

* denotes a Member standing for re-appointment.

 

(A)         One Member on the Cripplegate Foundation, for a term expiring in December 2024.

 

Nominations received:-

Susan Jane Pearson

 

(B)         One Member on the Dr Johnson’s House Trust, for a term expiring in December 2021.

 

Nominations received:-

*Jeremy Lewis Simons

 

(C)         Three Members on Christ’s Hospital, for terms expiring in January 2024.

 

Nominations received:-

*Nicholas Michael Bensted-Smith.

 

(D)         Two Members on the Trust for London, for terms commencing April 2020 and expiring in April 2025.

 

Nominations received:-

Rehana Banu Ameer

*Alderman Alison Gowman

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

 

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 10.

Minutes:

 

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

 

Where appropriate:-

* denotes a Member standing for re-appointment.

 

(A)      One Member on the Cripplegate Foundation, for a term expiring in December 2024.

 

Nominations received:-

Susan Jane Pearson

 

Read.

 

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Susan Pearson to be appointed to the Cripplegate Foundation.

 

(B)      One Member on the Dr Johnson’s House Trust, for a term expiring in December 2021.

 

Nominations received:-

*Jeremy Lewis Simons

 

Read.

 

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Jeremy Simons to be appointed to the Dr Johnson’s House Trust.

 

(C)      Three Members on Christ’s Hospital, for terms expiring in January 2024.

 

Nominations received:-

*Nicholas Michael Bensted-Smith, J.P.

 

Read.

 

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Nicholas Bensted-Smith to be appointed to Christ’s Hospital.

 

 

(D)      Two Members on the Trust for London, for terms commencing April 2020 and expiring in April 2025.

 

Nominations received:-

Rehana Banu Ameer

*Alderman Alison Gowman

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

 

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.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

Questions

Minutes:

Tree Planting and City Greening

William Pimlott asked a question of the Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee concerning the City’s commitments to greening and tree planting in the Square Mile in the coming period.

 

Responding, the Chair advised that the emerging City of London Local Plan 2036 had ambitious targets to increase greening and tree planting across the City, noting the positive correlation between urban greening and good mental and physical health. Given that the provision of large green spaces in the City’s high-density urban environment was difficult to achieve, he observed that small areas of soft landscaping, together with green walls and green roofs associated with buildings and the public realm would, therefore, play a vital role.

 

In relation to trees and canopy cover, the Chair advised that there were currently over 2,650 trees in the City, an increase from 2,400 in 2012, providing a canopy cover of 2.4%. Whilst this is below the canopy cover in our neighbouring boroughs, the City’s size, density of development and, importantly, the extensive network of services below ground, limited the scope for significant increases in tree cover. Nevertheless, the City Corporation’s Tree Strategy was currently being reviewed with a view to implementing more ambitious targets.

 

Beech Street

Sue Pearson asked a question of the Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee concerning plans to make the Beech Street tunnel the first zero emission street in London.

 

In reply, the Chair observed that Beech Street suffered from some of the worst air pollution levels in the Square Mile as, due to the enclosed nature of the street, pollution was effectively trapped and could not easily disperse. This scheme was intended to address the immediate need to bring air quality on Beech Street within legal limits, as well as serving as a

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

12.

Motions

Minutes:

There were no Motions.

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

13.

Awards and Prizes

Minutes:

There was no report.

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

14.

Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee pdf icon PDF 77 KB

To consider recommendations concerning the provision of hospitality.

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

Minutes:

Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee

 

(Deputy Tom Hoffman, M.B.E., Chief Commoner)

17 December 2019

Applications forHospitality

 

(a)      International Council on Archives reception

It was proposed that the City Corporation host an early evening reception at the conclusion of the International Council on Archives Executive Board Meeting in London on Monday 20th April 2020. The Council is the principal international body in the archives sector and the City Corporation, through London Metropolitan Archives, had worked closely with the Council in showcasing its own work as one of the world’s leading archives, and in developing partnerships with other institutions to improve its own services.  

 

It was recommended that hospitality be granted for an early evening reception at the conclusion of the International Council on Archives Executive Board Meeting in London, with arrangements to be made under the auspices of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash within the agreed parameters.

 

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for an early evening reception at the conclusion of the International Council on Archives Executive Board Meeting in London, with arrangements to be made under the auspices of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash within the agreed parameters.

 

(b)          Pride Flag Raising 2020

It was proposed that the City Corporation host an early evening reception following the Pride Flag Raising at Guildhall on Monday 22 June 2020 to mark the Pride in London Festival.  Pride in London is the UK’s largest LGBT+ event.  In 2020 the Pride in London Parade was to take place on Saturday 27 June.

 

It was recommended that hospitality be granted

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

15.

Finance Committee pdf icon PDF 113 KB

To consider proposals relating to the funding of two projects.

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

Minutes:

FINANCE COMMITTEE

 

(Jeremy Paul Mayhew)

7 January 2020

Capital Funding Requests

In April 2019, the annual capital prioritisation approach was approved, which identified projects to be progressed outside of the Fundamental Review and the resources that would be required to be allocated to them. Subsequent to this, funding approvals  were considered in May, July and October to allow the progression of a number of those projects that it had been agreed could be advanced outside of the Fundamental Review and which addressed risks on the corporate risk register, had sound business cases that clearly demonstrated the negative impact of deferring the scheme, or met certain defined criteria (e.g. health and safety compliance requirements, statutory compliance requirements, and so on).

 

The release of £2.625m was now proposed to fund two of the previously identified schemes which met the criteria for progression outside of the Fundamental Review. A contribution of up to £1.375m from City’s Cash reserves was required to progress repair works to the earth embankment dams of Baldwins and Birch Hall Park ponds at Epping, to prevent further deterioration from leakage and internal erosion and also overtopping and dam failure during extreme storm events. Up to £1.25m from City Fund reserves was also required for replacement of the end of life airwave radio police communication system.

 

Following approval by the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee and Policy & Resources Committee,  the Finance Committee now recommended to the Court the requisite in-year budget adjustments to allow for the release of the funds and for these two projects to progress.

 

Resolved – That the allocation of central funding of up to £2.625m, together with the associated in-year budget adjustments, be approved to allow two schemes to progress (subject to the requisite Gateway approvals), viz:-

1.    Up to £1.375m from City’s Cash reserves as a contribution

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

16.

Community and Children's Services Committee pdf icon PDF 90 KB

To consider recommendations concerning a fire door replacement programme.

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

Minutes:

COMMUNITY AND CHILDREN’S SERVICES COMMITTEE

 

(Randall Keith Anderson)

13 December 2019

Fire Door Replacement Programme

Following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower in 2017, the City of London Corporation began an extensive review of the fire safety of its social housing estates. Early on it was determined that the front doors of many units did not meet present standards and were a significant risk to the compartmentation of the units. Therefore, the City of London Corporation made a public commitment to embark on an enhanced front door replacement programme. The vast majority of front entrance doors in the City’s residential blocks were as originally installed and had reached the end of their useful life. This project proposed a programme of works to provide replacement doors which will give up to 60 minutes fire resistance; with 30 minutes as an absolute minimum if 60 minutes was not achievable or appropriate. 

 

The quickest route to getting the fire doors up to standard simultaneously, across multiple sites, was to procure the works on an estate-by-estate basis. The cost difference between this and procuring a single contractor was believed to be negligible. The cost of the fire door replacement programme was expected to be £8,954,000 (comprising of £7,964,000 works costs and £990,000 for fees and staff costs) to be funded by the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and the Court was recommended to approve the progression of the project. The works would also include the replacement of front doors to long leaseholders’ flats, which were also the City Corporation’s responsibility.

Resolved – That the progression of the HRA Estates Fire Door Replacement Programme to ‘Gateway 5’ of the City of London Corporation’s Projects Procedure (Authority to Start Work) be approved, at a cost of £8.954m (comprising £7,964,000 works costs and £990,000 for fees and

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

17.

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 17.

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:-

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

18.

Non-Public Minutes

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting of the Court held on 5 December 2019.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 18.

Minutes:

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

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

19.

Policy and Resources Committee

To consider proposals relating to the Markets Consolidation Programme.

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

Minutes:

Policy and Resources Committee

The Court approved proposals relating to the Markets Consolidation Programme.

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

20.

Finance Committee

To receive a report advising of action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the award of a Framework Agreement.

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

Minutes:

Finance Committee

The Court noted action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the award of a Framework Agreement

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

21.

Gresham Committee (City Side)

To consider recommendations relating to the funding of Gresham College.

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

Minutes:

Gresham Committee (City Side)

The Court approved funding proposals associated with Gresham College.

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