Agenda item

To agree the public minutes of the meeting held on 16^th February 2021.

RESOLVED – that the public minutes of the meeting held on 16^th February be approved as an accurate record.

At this point, the Chairman took the opportunity to thank formally the outgoing Chamberlain, Dr Peter Kane. Peter had provided sterling service and exemplary advice and support during his seven years with the Corporation.

The Chairman commended Peter’s steadfast commitment to the Corporation and its interests; whilst maintaining the need for financial discipline, Peter was always sensitive and responsive to the particular needs of the Corporation, not least concerning the funding for the major projects, as well as other key priorities. It is to his enormous credit that, despite the considerable challenges over the past year, he departs the Corporation with the finances on an even keel and on a sustainable pathway over the medium-term.

The Chamberlain thanked the Chairman for his warm words. Reflecting on the considerable legacy and responsibility of being the 80^th Chamberlain, 784 years after the creation of the role, he paid tribute to Members and fellow officers for the way in which they had come together over the past year in a spirit of collaboration and commitment to ensure that the Corporation navigated the significant economic upheaval wrought by the pandemic. Whilst the challenges remained, he was confident of our collective resolve, and pointed to the transformation of IT and procurement in recent years as examples of ways in which we can build resilient services that benefit all.  

He expressed his pride at the hard work undertaken in recent years to nurture and protect the Corporation’s finances. This legacy has not only stood us in good stead this past year as we faced unprecedented challenges, but it has also given us the foundation to look ahead with confidence over the medium-term, as we tend to the post-covid recovery, the delivery of the major projects, and the renewal of our commitment to the successful delivery of our core services to the communities of our City.

Echoing the Chairman’s remarks, the Chair of Policy and Resources paid tribute to the Chamberlain for his professionalism, leadership and commitment.