Agenda item

Review of Waiver for Guilds and Livery Companies - Conduct of Virtual Business

A report of the Town Clerk relative to the conduct of virtual business by Livery Companies and Guilds.

 

To agree and to make recommendation thereon to the Court of Aldermen.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk relative to the conduct of virtual business by Livery Companies and Guilds.

 

The Chairman explained that this was around extending the ability of Livery Companies and Guilds to meet in a hybrid fashion previously granted to them by the Court of Aldermen. He highlighted that the current permissions expired on 31 March 2022 and that proposals were now such that this should be extended to 31 October 2022.

 

The Chairman of the Magistracy and Livery Sub-Committee underlined that this was a temporary extension and that the Sub-Committee were therefore looking at whether a more permanent arrangement with the Liveries needed to be considered. They intended to consult with the Livery Committee on this matter.

 

Another Alderman suggested that there may be a degree of urgency around the need for a more permanent solution given that many were keen to see these arrangements which had worked successfully to date continue without restriction.

 

Resolved: -  That:

 

i)             insofar as the Ordinances or By-Laws of any Company with Livery, Company without Livery or Guild contain restrictive or prescriptive provisions as to the location and timing of any meeting, election, installation or admission of any members or officers, the Court of Aldermen agrees to allow any reasonable variation to such provisions, to be determined by the Guild or Livery company concerned and to be valid until 31 October 2022;

 

ii)            in particular, procedures adopted on the occasion of the binding of apprentices may be conducted virtually, subject to the requirement for the indentures to be entered within six months of the decision being taken in the Books of the Chamberlain of London;

 

iii)           the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen review the decision in due course and consider the future position in respect of the conduct of Guild and Livery Company business, noting that more flexible ways of working are now bedded into most business practices.

 

Supporting documents: