The Civic Affairs Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider a range of matters relating to the City of London's civic functions and hospitality. Key discussions were expected to include the City Hospitality Cost Guidelines for 2026/27, applications for the use of the Great Hall, and various hospitality requests. The committee was also set to receive a resolution from the Markets Board concerning the 160th anniversary of Smithfield Central Market.

City Hospitality Cost Guidelines 2026/27

A report from the Remembrancer was scheduled for discussion regarding the City Hospitality Cost Guidelines for the upcoming financial year 2026/27. These guidelines would likely outline the framework and financial parameters for hospitality events hosted by the City Corporation.

Applications for the Use of Great Hall

The Sub-Committee was due to review applications for the use of the Great Hall. This would involve considering requests for events and activities to be held in this significant City of London venue.

Applications for Hospitality

Several applications for hospitality were scheduled for consideration. These would likely involve proposals for events requiring official hospitality, with a report from the Remembrancer detailing the specifics of each application.

Events Benefitting from No User Charge

A report from the Remembrancer was to be presented concerning events that would benefit from a waiver of user charges. This would involve identifying and assessing events that qualify for this provision.

Hospitality Consideration

A joint report from the Deputy Town Clerk and the Remembrancer was scheduled to address hospitality considerations. This item would likely involve a broader discussion on the management and approval of hospitality arrangements.

Resolution from the Markets Board

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to receive and consider a resolution from the Markets Board. This resolution specifically addresses the 160th anniversary of the opening of the Smithfield Central Market Buildings in 2028, which is also provisionally set to be the final year of operations for market traders in these buildings before their relocation. The Markets Board requested the Sub-Committee's support in arranging events to mark these two historic moments and to consider inviting members of the Royal Household to visit the Market in 2028.

As such, the Board would like to request the support of the Civic Affairs Sub-Committee in arranging an event/events to mark these two historic moments. It was noted that, given, the Royal Household have been keen supporters of Smithfield Market with various visits throughout the years, including by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in the centenary year of the opening of the East and West Market buildings in 1968, an invitation to members of the Royal Household to visit the Market in 2028 would be very welcome.

The Markets Board's resolution formally asked the Civic Affairs Sub-Committee to confirm that an event or events to mark the anniversary and the traders' departure would be an initiative supported and planned by the City Corporation over the coming 18 months, and to consider extending an invitation to the Royal Household. This initiative aligns with the City Corporation's stated priorities around supporting a Vibrant Thriving Destination and Flourishing Public Spaces.

Member Workspace Requirements

A joint report from the Executive Director of the Environment Department and The City Surveyor and Executive Director of Property was scheduled to address member workspace requirements. This would likely involve discussions on the provision and management of office space for members of the council.

Minutes and Other Business

The Sub-Committee was also scheduled to agree the minutes of its previous meeting held on 23rd January 2026, both public and non-public. Additionally, there were provisions for questions on matters relating to the work of the Sub-Committee and any other urgent business that the Chair considered appropriate. A motion was also scheduled to be considered for the exclusion of the public for certain agenda items.

Several items were marked for information only, including forthcoming committee events involving hospitality, an evaluation of committee hospitality and City-hosted events, a summary of committed hospitality funding, final accounts for various receptions, and reports on delegated authority and decisions taken under delegated authority or urgency powers.