The Policy and Resources Committee meeting scheduled for 16 April 2026 was set to discuss a range of significant items, including proposals for a Business Improvement District in the City Riverside area, an update on the Climate Action Strategy, and the renewal of Lead Member roles. The committee was also scheduled to consider the reinstatement of a Public Spaces Protection Order related to the London Marathon.

City River Partnership - Proposal to Progress Arrangements for the City Riverside Business Improvement District

A key item for discussion was the proposal to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) for the City Riverside area, known as the City River BID (CRBID). The report outlined the progress made by the City River Partnership in assessing the viability and desire for such a district. It detailed the strategic themes and proposed project delivery for the BID, which were developed through business consultations and perception analysis. The proposal aimed to align with the City of London Corporate Plan 2024-2029 and other strategic priorities. The committee was asked to approve the CRBID proposal to allow progression to a formal ballot, with recommendations for delegating authority to the Executive Director Environment and the Head of City BIDs for day-to-day functions. The report detailed the BID's vision to Reconnect the River Thames and the City by creating a greener, safer, and more vibrant riverside area, and outlined proposed activities across four thematic areas: Re-imagining, Promoting, Enlivening, and Connecting. The proposed levy was set at 1% for businesses with a rateable value above £200,000, with an estimated £6.7 million to be raised over the BID's five-year term. The report also included appendices detailing the CRBID proposal itself and the City of London's internal consultation process.

Lead Member Renewal (2026/27)

The committee was asked to approve the continuation of the Lead Member programme for the 2026/27 year. These roles are designed to support the Committee and its Chairman in delivering on priority areas. Six Lead Member roles were proposed for renewal: Climate Action, Innovation Technology & AI, Resident Engagement, SMEs, Sport, and Sustainable Finance. The report outlined the process for Members to express interest in these roles, with appointments to be confirmed at the May meeting. The Lead Member roles are advisory and facilitative, aiming to strengthen collaboration between Members and Officers, and do not carry executive decision-making power.

Climate Action Strategy FY25/26 Update & FY26/27 Plan

This report provided an update on the delivery of the City Corporation's Climate Action Strategy (CAS) for Year 5 (FY25/26) and outlined the plan for Year 6 (FY26/27), the final year of delivery under the current funding envelope. The CAS, approved in October 2020, aims to achieve net zero emissions, build resilience, and champion sustainable growth. The report highlighted progress in reducing emissions, improving greening, and building climate resilience across the City Corporation's operations and the Square Mile. It also detailed planned activities for FY26/27, including completing decarbonisation projects, developing a Heat Network Strategy, and implementing Sustainable Drainage Systems. The committee was asked to approve the drawdown of funds from the original CAS budget envelope for FY26/27, covering the City's Estate and City Fund. The report included appendices detailing the CAS governance structure, impacts, achievements, programme highlights, financial analysis, and a risk register.

Reinstatement of the London Marathon Public Spaces Protection Order

The committee was asked to support the reinstatement of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) related to the London Marathon, which had expired in March 2026. The report explained that previous Orders had been effective in mitigating anti-social behaviour and violent disorder experienced in previous years. Section 59 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 provides local authorities with the power to make PSPOs to address nuisances detrimental to the local community's quality of life. The report detailed how the PSPO had significantly reduced crime and disorder during the London Marathon, with incidents reducing to zero over the past three years. It was proposed that the PSPO be reinstated for another three years. If supported, a formal order would be drafted and presented to the Court of Common Council for final agreement. The report included a draft of the proposed PSPO and a map detailing the designated area.

LGA Peer Review Actions

This report presented the outcome of the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge undertaken in November 2025, along with a proposed Action Plan developed in response to the recommendations. The Peer Challenge recognised the City of London Corporation's strong strategic programmes, including its Destination City programme and climate action initiatives. It identified five key recommendations concerning governance, housing, financial sustainability, and organisational culture. The Action Plan, which Members were asked to note, outlines measures to address these recommendations and will be reviewed periodically by the Senior Leadership Team, with a follow-up review by the LGA scheduled for later in 2026.

Support for UK-based Financial and Professional Service January - March 2026

This report provided an update on the impact of the City of London Corporation's work in supporting UK-based Financial and Professional Services (FPS) between January and March 2026. It highlighted the Corporation's contributions to driving growth through programmes such as the Office for Investment: Financial Services, the Transition Finance Council, and the Mansion House Accord. The report detailed activities undertaken by the Corporation's overseas offices in Brussels, India, and China, as well as engagement in the US. It also provided a high-level review of the 2025/2026 financial year, ahead of the Annual Review's publication. The report included details on key FPS metrics and the input of the Innovation and Growth department's activities.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The committee was scheduled to consider the public minutes of the meeting held on 19 March 2026, and to note the public minutes and non-public summary of the Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Sub-Committee meeting held on 18 February 2026.

In addition to these main public agenda items, the meeting also included standard procedural items such as apologies, declarations of interest, and the confirmation of previous minutes. A portion of the meeting was also scheduled to be held in private to discuss exempt information.