Agenda item

Engagement with the new Government

Jason Groves asked a question of the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee seeking an update on the key topics the City Corporation was engaging with to support His Majesty’s missions and legislative programmes, as set out in the King’s speech.

In reply the Chairman explained that the advantage of the City Corporation being politically independent, means it can work effectively with the elected Government of the day to support the UK domestically and internationally. He noted that the City had already engaged with Ministers on their portfolios and looked forward to working together during their term.

The Chairman outlined the Government’s five missions to rebuild Britain and what the City was doing in support of these.

First, kickstart economic growth. The Chairman referenced the measures captured in the Vision for Economic Growth. These measures would deliver high skilled jobs, opportunities and economic growth right across the UK and the City Corporation would continue to lobby for these recommendations. The Chairman also welcomed pensions reforms and creation of a national wealth fund.

Second, make Britain a clean energy superpower. The Chairman referred to the considerable work on Green Finance and transition finance review.

Third, take back our streets. The Chairman signposted the local and national responsibilities of the City of London Police, highlighting their role as the national lead on fraud, economic and cyber-crime.

Fourth, breaking down barriers. Progress Together was an independent taskforce looking at improving socio-economic diversity at senior levels in UK financial and professional services). The Chairman also referenced the Women Pivoting to Digital Taskforce, which addresses under representation to women in digital careers.

Finally, build an NHS fit for the future. The Finance and Insurance professional services industry generated £110bn in taxation annually. This made a significant contribution to funding public services such as the NHS.

Attracting visitors to open spaces

Eamonn Mullally remarked on negative heath statistics relating to those living in central London and asked a question to the Chair of the Natural Environment Board about plans to attract Londoners over summer months to outdoor space managed by City.

The Chair responded by reminding Members of the Natural Environment Division’s four strategies, these being: nature conservation, community engagement, access and recreation, culture heritage and learning. imbedded within these was a desire to attract visitors to spaces, thereby supporting the health and wellbeing of visitors, residents, learners and workers, amplifying Destination City. The Chair then went on to list the plethora of activities taking place over all the City Corporation managed spaces. This included various sports provisions and sporting events such as the night of 10,000 Personal Bests, cultural events such as outdoor theatre and visits from national organisations. The recent Natural Capital Audit suggested that the annual recreational benefits to the public amounted to £48.3m.

Eamonn Mullally asked a supplementary question, seeking examples of when the City had partnered with others to ensure the best value in the delivery of the strategies.

The Chair replied by acknowledging a number of the many partners that were vital to the outcomes of the four strategies. She referenced learning engagement with 18 London boroughs, numerous charitable organisations, and learning institutions. Given the locations of the many open spaces, the City Corporation regularly worked collaboratively with all the boroughs and district councils, county councils and MPs. The Chair noted the shared sense of stewardship and huge amounts of volunteer support across the portfolio.

Deputy Alpa Raja asked a supplementary question concerning how the Board was supporting the Fleet Street Quarter BID.

The Chair noted that of the 186 City gardens, many were churchyards that are managed in partnership with organisations such as the Church of England. In the BID area, rests St Bride’s. Work was already underway to help make the space more attractive and vital space, working with partners on the shrub beds, railings and planters. There were plans for an outside Christmas concert as well as regular summer music and evening entertainment from summer 2025, in conjunction with plans to open outdoor entertaining space in each BID by next year.

Barbican Renewal and the Destination City

Irem Yerdelen asked a question of the Chairman of Policy and Resources Committee concerning the Barbican Centre, the progress made in the development of a business case for its Renewal Programme and how this fitted within the Destination City programme of priorities.

The Chairman first took the opportunity to first put on record the Court’s thanks to Claire Spencer, the outgoing Chief Executive Officer of the Barbican Centre, who had stepped down.

He then went on to note the importance of the Barbican Centre as an integral part of the Destination City programme, highlighting its potential to draw people into the City. The Centre was, however, over 40 years old and, like much of the City’s built estate, was suffering from a long-term lack of investment in maintenance and essential works. From the again building infrastructure, to meeting accessibility and net zero requirements, keeping the Centre operational would require significant investment. To that end, the City Corporation had invested £25m in the previous year, to start addressing the first phase of critical works, including addressing health and safety issues, whilst developing a longer-term masterplan (Barbican Renewal Programme). Beyond that, the Policy and Resources Committee were aware of a business case being prepared for the Programme’s priorities for the next five years. The Chairman concluded by remarking on the immense value provided to London and the UK, stating City Corporation’s commitment to the Barbican Centre both now and into its future.

Irem Yerdelen asked a supplementary question, noting that if the Barbican Centre works were not undertaken, the City Corporation would fail on its climate action commitments, she asked for clarification on the internal governance process to secure the necessary funding. 

In response, the Chairman noted that the business case for renewal was undergoing external assessment via the City Surveyor’s Department. The intention of this was to ratify key assumptions and figures, before progressing. Once received, this will be formally submitted to the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee and Policy and Resources Committee in September of this year, with a view to a recommendation being brought forward to this Honourable Court for decision after that. The City was seeking ways to fund the first five years of the programme, as it would require significant investment. In doing so, the corporate centre was working with Barbican Centre colleagues to support them on raising their own funds. A matter which the Chair had given a personal commitment to. Given the costs involved, it was inevitable that the Court would have some difficult decisions to make. The Chairman was confident that at appropriate time, the Honourable Could would take the necessary decisions, with long term future of City in mind.

Deputy Brian Mooney asked a supplementary question seeking confirmation that £1bn investment was required in order to bring the Barbican Centre back to its former, world class, state.

The Chairman of Policy and Resources explained that it would be irresponsible to speculate on costs before any form of external appraisal. He did, however, stress the fact that it would not be a cheap exercise and that considerable investment was needed. The Chairman explained that such investment could be programmed and delivered over time.

Sports Strategy

Deputy Edward Lord asked a question of  the Chairman of Policy and Resources Committee seeking an update on any positive progress that has been made since the City of London Sports Strategy was approved. They also asked whether the Chairman would further endorse the view that the City Corporation’s  sports engagement programme domestically and nationally, contributes significantly to its soft power and influence.

In reply, the Chairman stated that he whole heartedly agreed. The Sports Strategy sets out intention for the City of London to become a global destination for sport by 2030. Hosting major sporting events has huge positive impact on trade and soft power worth £4bn to the economy over the next ten years.  The Chairman described a ‘summer of sport’, involving a series of activities hosted in partnership with City BIDs and Central London Alliance, designed to capitalise on major sporting events. For those wanting  to get involved, they should visit www.sportinthecity.co.uk. Thanks to the City Corporation’s convening power, it can play a unique role in enhancing UK’s soft power.

Deputy Lord thanked CPR for generous endorsement and asked a supplementary question on whether consideration would now be given to sustainable funding stream to ensure work continues beyond initial three years agreed from his Committee’s Policy Initiatives Fund.

Noting his personal support for this particular policy stream, the Chairman explained that the Policy Initiatives Fund was correctly utilised to get the strategy off the ground as seed support. He agreed that his Committee and the Court would need to consider funding for this, and other priorities, in future.

Deputy Natasha-Lloyd Owen asked a supplementary question about whether the City Corporation should be congratulating itself for sport engagement unless and until further work has been done to ensure delivery of accessible services to the local communities.

The Chairman agreed that there needed to be investment in sporting facilities for our electors, including residents. Whilst positive steps had been made in the implementation of the strategy, further progress was needed locally in the Square Mile.

Anne Corbett asked a supplementary question on the progress made on sports provision for children and young people in the City of London, particularly those from low income groups and those with Special Educational Needs.

The Chairman explained that, without advanced notice of this question, given the specific nature of the query, he would write to the Member and the Court with further information.

Anne Corbett asked a further supplementary question, asking for specific detail on the provisions for children at the Aldgate School, noting  the distance they currently had to travel.

The Chairman agreed to include this.

Munsur Ali asked a supplementary question, remarking on the high level of poverty in London, the need to make sport accessible to all, and the possibility to make use of the opportunities arising with the new government. He sought assurances that work was not being undertaken in silos.

The Chairman provided a commitment that these issues were being considered in the round and that a fuller response would be provided to all Members alongside the further information sought by Anne Corbett.

Pursuant to Standing Order 13(9) and 13(10) the Rt Hon. The Lord Mayor declared that the time limit of 40 minutes for Questions had passed and that any questions not dealt with shall be deferred for consideration at the following meeting or, with the consent of the questioner, be answered in writing within two working days and a copy placed in the Members’ Reading Room.