The Policy and Resources Committee was scheduled to discuss a range of important topics, including the City Corporation's role in economic security, a refresh of its competitiveness strategy, and plans for extending its transition finance agenda. The committee was also set to consider proposals for a Business Improvement District along the City River, and plans for heat network zoning within the Square Mile.

Committee Terms of Reference

The committee was scheduled to consider a report from the Deputy Town Clerk regarding its terms of reference. This report outlined proposed changes to the responsibilities of various Grand Committees, which would then be submitted to the Court of Common Council in April 2026. The proposed changes included adjustments to the Audit and Risk Management Committee's role, modifications to the Board of Governors of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and updates to the City Bridge Foundation Board's composition.

Economic Security: Role of the City Corporation

A position paper was scheduled for discussion, outlining the City Corporation's corporate stance on economic security. The report aimed to consolidate existing departmental efforts and present a clear narrative on how the Corporation contributes to the UK's economic security, building on its strengths and capabilities to support government and industry objectives. This discussion was intended to align with the City Corporation's response to police reform.

Competitiveness Strategy Refresh

The committee was due to consider a refreshed Competitiveness Strategy for 2026-2030, building on the 2021-2025 strategy. This strategy, led by the Innovation and Growth department, focuses on enhancing the financial services sector, fostering economic growth, and maintaining the City's position as a global financial centre. The refreshed strategy aims to address macroeconomic, technological, and sustainability trends through three key pillars: promote the offer, catalyse investment, and strengthen the ecosystem.

Skills for a Sustainable Skyline - Future Opportunities

Proposals were scheduled for discussion regarding the Corporation's use of Section 106 (s106) monies to support skills development, with a specific focus on the next phase of the Skills for a Sustainable Skyline programme. This programme, under the working title Built Environment Skills Taskforce (BEST), aims to address green skills gaps in the construction and built environment sectors. The report recommended the release of £238,000 from unallocated s106 skills funds to support this next phase, alongside a broader review of s106 skills provision.

Extension of City of London's Transition Finance Agenda

The committee was set to discuss plans to extend the City of London's transition finance agenda. This initiative, led by the Innovation and Growth department, has involved hosting the Transition Finance Market Review (TFMR) and the Transition Finance Council (TFC). The report sought approval to accept external funding from the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) to expand the international reach of the developed guidelines and support further programming to road-test these guidelines with financial institutions.

City River Partnership - Proposal to Hold a Ballot to Establish a Business Improvement District (BID)

A report was scheduled to outline the progress made by the City River Partnership in assessing the viability of a Business Improvement District (BID) for the City Riverside Area. The report recommended that the committee instruct the Returning Officer to conduct a ballot of eligible businesses on the proposal to establish a BID for a five-year period. The proposed BID aims to create a greener, safer, and more vibrant riverside that reflects its history and supports its future.

Heat Network Zoning – Zone Boundary Consultation and Designation

The committee was due to consider proposals related to the Government's forthcoming Heat Network Zoning regulations. These regulations aim to grow the heat network market by identifying geographic areas where heat networks are expected to be the most cost-effective, low-carbon heating solution. The report recommended undertaking a consultation on the Heat Network Zone Boundary prior to the introduction of the regulations, which would remove the need for a subsequent consultation. The entire Square Mile has been identified as an indicative Heat Zone.

High-Level Business Plan 2026-30 - Innovation & Growth

The committee was presented with the draft high-level Business Plan for the Innovation & Growth Department for 2026-30. This plan outlines the department's policy priorities in supporting UK Financial Professional Services and advancing the Corporation's Climate Action Strategy. The plan is organised around five key intervention areas: Connecting Capital, Sustainable Finance, AI Implementation in FPS, Innovation in Economic Security, and The Future of Money.

2026/27 Business Plan - Remembrancer's Department

The report presented the high-level Business Plan for the Remembrancer's Department for 2026/27 for approval. The plan details the department's priorities, including member involvement in City events and the ceremonial programme, parliamentary activity, and the commercial use of Guildhall to drive income generation. It also outlines how the department works to combat silos and achieve synergies with other departments.

On-Street Parking Reserve Bids (Quarter 4 - 2025/26)

The committee was scheduled to consider bids for funding from the On-Street Parking Reserve (OSPR). One bid was received, requesting £135,000 for enabling works to support changes to controlled parking zone hours and tariffs. These works include preparing an Equality Impact Assessment, public consultation, traffic management order implementation, and updates to payment systems. The project is expected to encourage greater use of off-street car parks and public transport, and ensure that those driving into the City during evenings and weekends contribute to street maintenance costs.