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

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

A significant item on the agenda was the proposal to progress arrangements for the City Riverside Business Improvement District (CRBID). The report outlined the progress made by the City River Partnership in assessing the viability and desire for a BID in the City Riverside Area. It detailed the strategic themes and proposed project delivery for the BID, which were developed through business consultations and aligned with the City of London Corporate Plan 2024-2029. The report recommended approving the CRBID proposal to allow progression to a formal ballot. The proposal included a 1% levy on businesses with a rateable value above £200,000, with a cap of £30,000 for properties with high rateable values. Charities receiving mandatory charitable relief would receive 80% relief on their BID levy. It was estimated that the BID levy would raise approximately £6.7 million over its five-year term.

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

The committee was to receive an update on the delivery of the Climate Action Strategy (CAS) for the financial year 2025/26 and the plan for 2026/27. The CAS, approved in October 2020, aims to achieve net zero carbon 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, investments, and the Square Mile. Key achievements included reductions in CO2e emissions, increased greening, and the development of strategies for heat networks and water resilience. The committee was asked to approve the drawdown of funds for the final year of delivery under the current funding envelope for FY26/27, covering the City's Estate (£5.4m) and City Fund (£18.8m).

Reinstatement of the London Marathon Public Spaces Protection Order

The committee was asked to support the reinstatement of the London Marathon Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which had expired in March 2026. The report detailed how previous PSPOs had been effective in mitigating anti-social behaviour and violent disorder experienced along the marathon route. The order, which grants additional powers to prevent public drinking and the consumption of nitrous oxide, had led to a reduction in incidents to zero over the past three years. It was proposed to reinstate the PSPO for another three years, with the formal order to be presented to the Court of Common Council for final agreement.

Lead Member Renewal (2026/27)

The committee was asked to approve the continuation of the Lead Member programme for 2026/27. These roles support the committee and its Chairman in delivering 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 apply for these roles, with appointments to be confirmed in the May meeting. The Lead Member roles are advisory and facilitative, strengthening collaboration between Members and Officers.

LGA Peer Review Actions

The committee was to be informed of the outcome of the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge, undertaken in November 2025 and reported in February 2026. The challenge identified strengths in strategic programmes such as Destination City and climate action, but also made five key recommendations concerning governance, housing, financial sustainability, and organisational culture. An Action Plan had been developed to address these recommendations, which would be reviewed by the Senior Leadership Team and subsequently by the LGA.

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

This item, detailed in the public reports pack, concerned the proposal to hold a ballot for the establishment of a Business Improvement District (BID) in the City Riverside area. The report outlined the background of BIDs, the City Corporation's BID Strategy Framework, and the work of the City River Partnership. It detailed the findings of a perception analysis conducted with businesses, which indicated strong support for a BID. The proposal included four thematic areas for delivery: Re-imagining, Promoting, Enlivening, and Connecting. The report recommended approving the CRBID proposal to allow progression to a formal ballot.

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

This report provided an update on the City of London Corporation's work in supporting the UK's Financial and Professional Services (FPS) sector between January and March 2026. It highlighted activities undertaken by the Innovation and Growth department, in collaboration with other departments and Mansion House, to drive growth through programmes such as the Office for Investment: Financial Services, the Transition Finance Council, and the Mansion House Accord. The report also provided a high-level review of the 2025/2026 financial year. Key initiatives included promoting foreign direct investment at the World Economic Forum in Davos, strengthening UK-China financial cooperation, and advancing sustainable finance frameworks. The report also detailed work on innovation in technology, including the Digital Verification Orchestrator strategy and the Women Pivoting to Digital Taskforce.

Equity, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Committee Minutes

The committee was scheduled to note the public minutes and non-public summary of the Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) Sub-Committee meeting held on 18 February 2026. Discussions at that meeting included the EEDI Strategic Framework delivery roadmap, the City Belonging Project, and Member learning and development related to EEDI.

Non-Public Agenda Items

Several items were scheduled for discussion in a non-public session, including non-public minutes of previous meetings, the establishment of an external entity for Sculpture in the City, the Place Based Investment Spatial Framework for the Square Mile, and the Taskforce on Climate Related Financial Disclosures. Discussions on Freedom of the City were also listed.