Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from the Rt Hon The Lord Mayor, Alderman Nicholas Lyons, Alderman Vincent Keaveny, Alderwoman and Sheriff, Dame Susan Langley, Deputy Chris Hayward, Deputy Keith Bottomley and Deputy Henry Pollard.

There were no declarations.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 26 May 2023.

RESOLVED – That the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 26 May 2023 be approved as a correct record.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk inviting the Committee to review its terms of reference.

The Committee noted that the terms of reference were derived from the obligations of the Will of Thomas Gresham and relevant legislation.

RESOLVED – That the Committee approve the terms of reference of the Gresham Committee (City Side) for submission to the Court, as set out.

Report of the Chamberlain and the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Committee considered a joint report of the Chamberlain and the Director of Community and Children’s Services presenting the revenue budgets for 2023/24 and 2024/25.

The Chair informed Members that the £27,000 reduction in funding to Gresham College was expected and that the funding was reducing in line with Gresham College’s increase fundraising.

RESOLVED: That the Committee -

1.     Approve the 2023/24 revenue budget for submission to the Finance Committee; and

2.   Approve the proposed 2024/25 revenue budget for submission to the Finance

     Committee.

Report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services which provided an update on the Gresham Almshouses.

Members were informed that a further round of recruitment for the gardener position would take place following a previously unsuccessful round. The Officer stated that there had been liaison with the police following anti-social behaviour issues in the area and the police had increased patrols. She stated that there were delays in obtaining permission for the CCTV installation as the building was listed. Members were informed that there were currently no void properties.

The Officer stated that a summer picnic had been held at the almshouses and residents from other sheltered schemes across the City had been invited. She stated that the Members’ Christmas visit to the almshouses would take place on 8 December 2023.

RESOLVED: That the Committee note the report.

There were no questions.

There was no other business.

MOTION - That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business below which relate to functions of the Court of Common Council not subject to the provisions of Part VA and Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and which it is considered would not be in the best interests of the charity to disclose in a public meeting (engaging similar considerations as under paragraphs 2 and 3 of Schedule 12A of the 1972 Act).

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 26 May 2023.

RESOLVED – That the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 26 May 2023 be approved as a correct record.

Report of the Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services concerning the condition of the Gresham Almshouses and ongoing maintenance work.

Report of the Managing Director of City Bridge Foundation.

The Committee considered a report .of the Managing Director of City Bridge Foundation.

Chamberlain to be heard.

The Committee was provided with an oral update in respect of the accounts of Sir Thomas Gresham Charity.

Papers to be circulated separately.

The Committee considered the various items on the agenda for the meeting of the Joint Grand Gresham Committee that day.

There were no questions.

There were no urgent items.