Agenda and minutes

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

There were no additional declarations.

To agree the minutes of the meeting of the Court of Common Council held on 7 October 2021.

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

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

The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor reported on his recent engagements, including official visits to Spain and Portugal.

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

The Policy Chair delivered a statement in which she made reference to the most recent Covid-related restrictions and their potential impacts on City businesses, as well as on internal City meetings and events. In response to a question from Tijs Broeke, concerning the significant effect on the hospitality sector, the Chair agreed that the Policy & Resources Committee should discuss the matter at its forthcoming meeting with a view to identifying how the City Corporation might assist in obtaining support for the sector.

To consider a referral concerning a planning application in relation to 115-123 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7BU.

This report was approved by the Planning and Transportation Committee at its 16 November 2021 meeting; however, pursuant to Standing Order 9(4), it has now been referred by 20 Members to the Court of Common Council.

Referral to the Court of Common Council pursuant to Standing Order 9(4)(a): 115-123 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7BU

On 16 November 2021, the Planning and Transportation Committee had agreed, by eleven votes to six, to grant planning permission for proposals for 115-123 Houndsditch – specifically, the demolition of existing buildings and construction of a new building comprising four basement levels (plus one basement mezzanine), ground floor plus 23 upper storeys, including office use (Class E), flexible retail/café use (Class E); community space (Sui Generis), ancillary basement cycle parking, servicing and plant; new public realm and highway works; and other works associated with the development.

Subsequently, the provisions of Standing Order No.9(4) were invoked. This involved 28 Members of the Court of Common Council requesting that the report of the Planning and Transportation Committee be referred to the Court. The terms of the referral were as follows: "In accordance with Standing Order 9(4)(a), we the undersigned members give notice of the referral to the Court of Common Council, for decision at its meeting on 9 December 2021, of the report under agenda item 4 (115-123 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7BU) of the meeting of the Planning and Transportation Committee on 16 November 2021.”

Deputy Edward Lord rose on a point of order, expressing their significant surprise that this matter had been referred to the Court and reflecting on the highly unusual nature of such a matter being called-in. They suggested that the drafting of this particular mechanism within Standing Orders had been designed to allow for consideration of matters of policy, rather than those of implementation, adding that the Court was an entirely inappropriate forum for the detailed discussion of planning applications. They made reference to the established governance framework and best practice in delegating such matters to planning committees which were trained

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

POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

(Deputy Catherine McGuinness)

(A)Governance Review – to consider proposals relating to the outcomes of the Governance Review Process.

For Decision

18 November 2021

(A) Governance Review: Committee Structure

In late 2019, the City Corporation commissioned a comprehensive Governance Review. This was to be undertaken independently and Robert Rodgers, The Lord Lisvane, was appointed to conduct the Review. The Review’s findings indicated that the Corporation’s structures were too complex, with its decision-making too slow; questions of corporate endeavour were also raised.

In response to the Review, an informal engagement process had been undertaken, through which Members have been consulted extensively in relation to all the recommendations therein. Through the debate and consideration emerging, a number of immediate changes had already been made, such as the introduction of a new Standards Regime. This report now presented proposals emerging on the overall structure and business cycle for the committees of the Court of Common Council, for Members’ consideration.

Introducing the report, the Chair summarised the importance of the changes and improving the efficiency of decision-making within the organisation. She also stressed that the proposals were intended to reflect the consensus position of the Court as a whole which had emerged through the process, balanced with the realities of implementation and packaging everything together into a single proposition.

With particular reference to the question of housing governance, and the proposals to establish a new Housing Committee, the Chair reflected on the broad support from Members for the proposals and direction of travel but recognised that there were some concerns about committing to anything at this stage absent the further detail, as referred to within the report, being developed. Following a very productive meeting with interested Members the day prior, she was minded that it would be best to hold off on these specific proposals until a more fully-formed proposition, consistent with the principles articulated in the report, was available. Consequently, she sought the Court’s

(B)Scheme of Delegation – to consider proposals relating to the revised Scheme of Delegations.

For Decision

(B) Scheme of Delegations

The Policy and Resources Committee, being responsible for the co-ordination of the City Corporation’s governance arrangements including the Scheme of Delegations (SoD), had proposed a number of changes, some of which supported the comprehensive work that was currently being undertaken in respect of the organisation’s governance arrangements. Changes to includes relevant updates in legislation and corrects any drafting errors had also been proposed.

All Chief Officers had been asked to review their delegations and a number of new delegations had also been proposed to assist with day-to-day management. They also aimed to alleviate the demands on Members, address the issue of pace by increasing financial thresholds and reducing the need for proposals to be considered by multiple committees.

Resolved – That:-

1.      Revisions made to the draft SoD be approved, as set out in the document.

2.      Going forward, to ensure continued Member oversight, periodic reports of action taken be submitted to service committees in respect of the newly approved delegations.

3.      To ensure good governance, the SoD be reviewed on annual basis.

To consider the adoption of a new charter relating to Member / Officer interaction.

Policy and Resources Committee

Establishment Committee

(Deputy Catherine McGuinness)

(Tracey Graham)

18 November 2021

Member / Officer Charter

A Member/Officer Protocol had been adopted by the Court of Common Council in 2006 and was most recently reviewed and updated in April 2019. Since then, several factors had suggested that the existing Member/Officer Protocol required review and to be given a higher profile within the City Corporation’s governance arrangements as soon as practicable.

Following a review of the existing Protocol and consideration by the Establishment and Policy & Resources Committee, the draft Member/Officer Charter was now presented the Court for consideration.

Resolved – That the proposed Member/Officer Charter be approved as set out in appendix one to the report.

To consider recommendations concerning the provision of hospitality.

HospitalityWorking Partyof the Policy and ResourcesCommittee

(Deputy Brian Desmond Francis Mooney, Chief Commoner)

Applications for Hospitality

(a)      Armed Forces Flag Day 2022

It was proposed that the City Corporation hosts a flag-raising ceremony followed by light refreshments at Guildhall on the afternoon of Friday 24^th June 2022. 

Armed Forces Flag Day was established in 2009 to provide an opportunity to show support for members of the Armed Forces and service families, with the day forming part of a week of activity across the country to raise public awareness of the contribution made by the Armed Forces. 

This event would support the following Corporate Plan outcomes: to promote effective progression through fulfilling education and employment (outcome 3c); to bring individuals and communities together to share experiences and promote wellbeing, mutual respect and tolerance (outcome 4a); and to advocate and facilitate greater levels of giving time, skills, knowledge, advice and money (outcome 5d).

Resolved - That hospitality be granted for a flag-raising ceremony followed by light refreshments and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash within approved parameters.

(b)      London Tourism Awards 2022 Early Evening Reception

It was proposed that the City Corporation hosts an evening reception following the 2022 London Tourism Awards Ceremony at Guildhall on Thursday 10^th March 2022.

London and Partners, as part of their work to promote London internationally, attract investment and support growth, manage the annual London Tourism Awards. The awards recognise the most successful and innovative businesses in the tourism sector in London.

The event would support the

To review the Statement of Licensing Policy.

LICENSING COMMITTEE

(Sophie Anne Fernandes)

23 November 2021

Statement of Licensing Policy

The City of London Corporation, in its capacity as Licensing Authority, was required to publish its statutory Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003 by the end of January 2022. It was felt that the existing Policy did not require a major overhaul and amendments had been made to cover legislative changes to the Licensing Act 2003 and to recognise the effects of the recent pandemic and how that was affecting, and may continue to affect, licensed premises.

The Policy had also been revised to include the effects on licensed premises of issues that were more prevalent today or issues where people’s perceptions had changed and were more in the public eye than five years ago. These included steps to mitigate terrorist activity and steps that can be taken to assist vulnerable people.

Following a period of public consultation, the revised Policy was now presented for approval.

Introducing the report, the Chair commented that the foreword had been written in a positive tone prior to the most recent Government announcements around Covid-related restrictions. Whilst she held every hope that things would move forward in this positive vein afterwards, she took the opportunity to urge continued support for the City’s hospitality businesses and echoed the plea made earlier in the meeting for further support for the hospitality sector.

Resolved – That the revised Statement of Licensing Policy, as set out at Appendix 1, be approved for adoption.

To consider reports of the Bridge House Estates Board, as follows:-

BRIDGE HOUSE ESTATES BOARD

(Deputy Dr Robert Giles Evelyn Shilson)

(A)Target Operating Model – to consider proposals relating to the creation of Grade I posts.

For Decision

(A)   Bridge House Estates Target Operating Model Proposal – Phase 1: Leadership Team

The Court considered proposals relating to the organisational re-design of Bridge House Estates (“BHE”) (charity no. 1035628) by the City of London Corporation (“City Corporation”) as corporate trustee, in line with the City Corporation’s Target Operating Model (“TOM”). The report sets out matters for decision which would support the City Corporation, as trustee, in the effective administration and governance of BHE, consistent with its legal obligations as trustee to always act in the best interests of the charity.

Specifically, the report proposed the creation of two new roles within the proposed BHE Leadership structure. These were a new BHE Chief Operating Officer post, and a new Chief Funding Officer post, following the deletion of the Grade H Deputy Director of City Bridge Trust post. As these posts were at Grade I or above, their creation was submitted to the Honourable Court for approval.

Resolved – That the Court of Common Council, considering it to be in the best interests of Bridge House Estates (Charity No. 1035628), approves the creation of a new BHE Chief Operating Officer post at Grade I and also approves the creation of a new Chief Funding Officer post at Grade I.

(B)Annual Accounts – to consider the Bridge House Estates Annual Accounts.

For Decision

(B) Bridge House Estates Annual Report and Financial Statements 2020/21

The Court considered the draft Annual Report and Financial Statements for Bridge House Estates (BHE) for the year ended 31 March 2021. A designed version of the report would be published and submitted to the Charity Commission once the Annual Report and Financial Statements had been finalised and signed on behalf of the Trustee. The audit work in respect of these accounts had been substantially completed and the Audit Panel had met, with positive feedback presented to the Chamberlain. BDO LLP, the charity’s external auditors, had advised that they intend to issue an unqualified opinion.

The Annual Report and Financial Statements 2020/21 had been scrutinised by the Bridge House Estates Board, the Audit & Risk Management Committee having first provided their comments for the Board’s consideration consistent with their particular skills, knowledge, and experience. The BHE Board now recommended them to this Honourable Court for approval.

Resolved - That the Court of Common Council, on behalf of the City Corporation as Trustee of Bridge House Estates (Charity No. 1035628), approves the BHE Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2021, this being considered to be in the best interests of the charity.

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 consider the following appointments:

(A)         One Member on the Policy & Resources Committee, for the balance of a term expiring in April 2023.

Nominations received:-

Randall Keith Anderson

Mary Durcan

John William Fletcher

Paul Nicholas Martinelli

Susan Jane Pearson

James Richard Tumbridge

(B)         One Member on the Community & Children’s Services Committee, for the balance of a term expiring in April 2022.

Nominations received:-

Jason Paul Pritchard

(C)         One Member on the Establishment Committee, for the balance of a term expiring in April 2024.

Nominations received:-

James Richard Tumbridge

(D)         Four Members on the Board of Governors of the Museum of London, two for one-year terms expiring in December 2022 and two for four-year terms expiring in December 2025. 

Nominations received:-

*Paul Martinelli

*Judith Pleasance

*Deputy John Scott

(E)         One Member on the St Andrew Holborn and Stafford’s Charity for a four-year term expiring in December 2025.  This vacancy is in the room of Jeremy Simons who is not seeking re-appointment.

Nominations received:-

Paul Martinelli

The Court proceeded to make appointments to various committees and outside bodies:-

(A)      One Member on the Policy & Resources Committee, for the balance of a term expiring in April 2023.

Nominations received:-

Randall Keith Anderson

Mary Durcan

John William Fletcher

Paul Nicholas Martinelli

Susan Jane Pearson

James Richard Tumbridge

Read.

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

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

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

(B)      One Member on the Community & Children’s Services Committee, for the balance of a term expiring in April 2022.

Nominations received:-

Jason Paul Pritchard

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Jason Pritchard to be appointed to the Community and Children’s Services Committee.

(C) One Member on the Establishment Committee, for the balance of a term expiring in April 2024.

Nominations received:-

James Richard Tumbridge

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared James Tumbridge to be appointed to the Establishment Committee.

(D) Four Members on the Board of Governors of the Museum of London, two for one-year terms expiring in December 2022 and two for four-year terms expiring in December 2025.

Nominations received:-

*Paul Nicholas Martinelli

*Judith Lindsay Pleasance

*Deputy John George Stewart Scott, J.P.

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Paul Martinelli, Judith Pleasance, and Deputy John Scott to be appointed to the Board of Governors of the Museum of London.

(E)    One Member on the St Andrew Holborn and Stafford’s Charity for a four-year term expiring in December 2025.

Nominations received:-

Paul Nicholas Martinelli

Read.

Whereupon the Lord Mayor declared Paul Martinelli

To pass the Vote of Thanks, read informally at the last meeting of the Court, to the

late Lord Mayor.

Resolved unanimously - That the Members of this Honourable Court take great pleasure in expressing to

WILLIAM ANTHONY BOWATER RUSSELL

their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the distinguished manner in which he has carried out the role of Lord Mayor of the City of London during the past two years: the first Lord Mayor to serve a second term since 1861.

We are especially grateful to William for placing the recovery of the City at the heart of his Mayoral Theme, as the City strives to respond to the challenges arising from COVID-19. William has worked tirelessly, leading a dedicated “Re-opening campaign” to encourage people back to the Square Mile. He visited several hundred businesses, from banks and barbers, to pubs and sandwich shops, culminating in the festival of church bells. This saw William ringing the Great Paul bell at St Paul’s Cathedral, which at 16½ long tons is the second largest bell in the UK and had not been rung for the past 20 years.

As a Haberdasher, it comes as no surprise that William threaded together numerous strands of work in his Mayoral Theme, Global UK - The New Future, interweaving the importance of growing global trade, strengthening innovation and promoting a rich cultural and creative economy. As part of this theme, he convened the Culture and Commerce taskforce, putting our world-leading cultural sector at the heart of London’s recovery, and he has been an ardent advocate for UK business and trade. Green Finance has been a significant theme within this, with the hugely successful Green Horizons Summit a particular success.

Conducting business and fulfilling the demands of being Lord Mayor necessitated innovation to deal with the challenges posed by COVID-19, with quick adaptation to virtual visits as international travel became untenable. From virtual visits to the Far

(A) By Deputy Dr Giles Robert Evelyn Shilson

“That the Resolution of Thanks to the late Lord Mayor, passed by Common Hall

on 29 September last, be presented in a form agreeable to him?”

For Decision

(B) By Deputy John George Stewart Scott, J.P.

“That the Resolution of Thanks to Professor Michael Raymond Mainelli, Alderman and World Trader and Christopher Michael Hayward, Citizen and Pattenmaker, the late Sheriffs of the City, passed by Common Hall on 29 September last, be presented in a form agreeable to them?”

For Decision

There were no Motions.

Taxi Access on City Streets

Deputy Barbara Newman asked a question of the Chair of the Planning & Transportation Committee, seeking an update on progress in respect of requests to allow taxis to operate more freely on City streets, as discussed at the Court’s June 2021 meeting.

Responding, the Chair noted that the Transport Strategy, Climate Action Strategy and recovery plans set out an ambitious approach to giving more space and priority to people walking, enabling more people to cycle, improving road safety, and reducing traffic and associated carbon emissions and pollution. Achieving these ambitions could sometimes require changes to the routes available to motor vehicles, including taxis, although access for taxis and other motor vehicles would be retained on most streets. The Chair confirmed that, when making changes to streets, there was no blanket approach, with taxi access assessed on a case-by-case basis against the objectives of the project and the Transport Strategy.

The first phases of this pedestrian priority programme were focused on transitioning the remaining temporary COVID-19 interventions into experimental schemes, thereby allowing an understanding their benefits and disbenefits as more people returned to working in the City and any changes in work and travel habits became clearer. Currently, as part of this programme, there are three locations with restricted access for motor traffic to give more priority to pedestrians. These were Chancery Lane, Cheapside and Old Jewry. Following engagement with local Members and businesses over the summer and with the taxi trade, the initial proposals for Chancery Lane were now being amended to allow access for taxis at all times of the day, together with changes to arrangements for deliveries and servicing and access to on-street parking. However, the point closure on Cheapside would remain as bus and cycle only for the experimental period and Old Jewry

There were no resolutions.

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: -

There were no docquets to be sealed.

There was no report.

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 and 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

Resolved – That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business below on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 3 and 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

Summary of items considered whilst the public were excluded:-

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting of the Court held on 7 October 2021.

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

To consider proposals for the disposal of property.

Bridge House Estates Board

The Court approved proposals relating to the disposal of a property.

To consider proposals relating to the increase in contract value of a framework agreement.

City of London Police Authority Board, Finance Committee

The Court approved proposals relating to the increase in contract value of a framework agreement.

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

Finance Committee

The Court:-

(A)Change in Microsoft Office Licensing – to consider proposals relating to IT provision and associated contractual items.

For Decision

Approved proposals relating to IT provision and associated contractual items.

(B)Report of Urgent Action Taken: Property Insurance – to note action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the award of a contract.

For Information

Noted action taken under urgency procedures relating to the award of a property insurance contract.

(C) Report of Action Taken: Parking Services – to note action taken under urgency procedures relating to the award of contracts.

For Information

Noted action taken under urgency procedures relative to the award of contracts concerning parking services.

To note action taken under urgency procedures, as follows:-

Property Investment Board

The Court:-

(A)Report of Action Taken: Long-term leases, North Road – to note action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the surrender and re-grant of two long-term leases.

For Information

Noted action taken under urgency procedures concerning the surrender and re-grant of long-term leases.

(B) Report of Action Taken: Property Disposal, Alie Street – to note action taken under urgency procedures relating to the disposal of a property.

For Information

Noted action taken under urgency procedures concerning the disposal of a property.

To note action taken under urgency procedures in relation to the Markets Co-location Programme, Private Bills.

Policy and Resources Committee

The Court noted action taken under urgency procedures relating to the Markets Co-location Programme.