Decision making

Access a wide range of information and documents relating to the City of London Corporation's decision-making processes, find out about forthcoming meetings and decisions and obtain details for your local councillors (known as Common Councilmen). Unlike councillors elsewhere, the position in the City is a purely voluntary role and it is not remunerated.

Catherine McGuinness is the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee. As a senior member of the Court of Common Council she is also a member of the Leaders’ Committee of London Councils, which comprises the lead councillors from across the London Boroughs. The City Corporation’s composition is different to other local authorities in that the majority of its elected councillors are not elected on a party political basis and are therefore independent. Because the City has a relatively small number of residents, compared to City workers, it also has two categories of voters: resident and business and the provision of services extend far beyond those that are delivered by standard local authorities.

Our decision-making arrangements operate on a committee-based system whereby elected Members are appointed annually to serve on our many committees and sub committees. These committees, the principal governing body being the Court of Common Council, meet regularly throughout the year. Find out more about our decision-making structure.

Meetings of the Court of Common Council, its committees and sub committees are open to the press and public. These meetings may be recorded through any audio, visual or written methods provided this does not disturb the conduct of the meeting. However, people need to be informed at the start of the meeting if filming/recording is to take place. Please see the City of London Protocol for further information. Members of the public who are able, in defined circumstances, to speak at a meeting have the option to opt-out of being filmed. All those wishing to record a meeting through any method are asked to contact the City of London Corporation's Public Relations Office in advance for assistance. Tel: 020 7606 3030. In accordance with the Court of Common Council's Covid Approval Procedure, which was initially adopted on 15th April 2021 and reinstated on 16th December 2021, all formal decisions (in respect of local authority functions) are currently being taken by a designated Senior Officer who has been granted authority by the Town Clerk to formalise any decisions. The decisions taken by the designated Officer shall reflect the views expressed at virtual/hybrid committee meetings, as set out in the minutes of meetings.

Browse meetings, including dates of upcoming decision making meetings and past agendas, reports and minutes.

To view documents in PDF format you will require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

Elected representatives

Details of the City of London Corporation's MPs, MEPs and Members.

Outside bodies

Contact details for the City of London Corporation's representatives on outside bodies and forums that are independent from the Corporation.

How to get involved

It is also possible to subscribe to updates in order to receive information via email regarding particular issues and committee meetings.

Please note that the committee reports are not accessible, please contact Lorraine Brook, Principal Committee and Member Services Manager, on lorraine.brook@cityoflondon.gov.uk or 020 7332 1409 for alternative versions.

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