The Policy and Resources Committee was scheduled to discuss a range of important matters, including appointments to various sub-committees and advisory boards, the progress and future plans for the Destination City Programme, and a review of the 2025 Election Engagement Campaign. The committee was also set to consider a situation analysis on water resilience and note decisions taken under delegated authority.

Appointments to Sub-Committees, Advisory Boards, and Representatives on Other Committees

The committee was scheduled to consider appointments to its various sub-committees, advisory boards, and working parties for the upcoming year. These included the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee, Communications and Corporate Affairs Sub-Committee, Civic Affairs Sub-Committee, Member Development and Standards Sub-Committee, Capital Buildings Board, Freedom Applications Sub-Committee, Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Sub-Committee, Competitiveness Advisory Board, Destination Advisory Board, and Income Generation Working Party. The report also outlined proposed appointments of representatives to serve on other City Corporation committees and sub-committees, such as the Audit and Risk Management Committee and the Barbican Centre Board. Recommendations were to be made regarding the composition, terms of reference, and election of chairs for these bodies.

Lead Members

A report was scheduled for discussion regarding the reappointment of Lead Members for the 2026/27 year. The Lead Member programme aims to support the Policy Chairman by leveraging the expertise of Members of the Court of Common Council in key subject areas. The report detailed the expressions of interest received for roles such as Climate Action, Innovation, Technology & AI, SME, Sport, Sustainable Finance, and Residential Engagement, along with the proposed appointments based on an assessment process. A decision was also to be made on the introduction of a maximum term limit for Lead Members.

Destination City Programme - Year 1 Progress Review and Year 2 Delivery Plan

This item was set to review the progress of the Destination City Programme in its first year and outline the delivery plan for Year 2. The programme aims to enhance the Square Mile as a vibrant and thriving destination for businesses, workers, and visitors. The report was expected to detail achievements in areas such as the launch of the Destination City Dashboard, the establishment of the Destination City Partnership Fund, and the expansion of the Destination Advisory Board. The Year 2 programme would focus on showcasing and amplifying cross-Corporation activity, supporting major corporate projects, and leading coordinated delivery of Destination City priorities.

Barbican Centre Board – Extension of the Current Chairman's Term

The committee was scheduled to consider a recommendation to extend the term of the current Chairman of the Barbican Centre Board by one year. This extension was proposed on an exceptional basis to provide continuity of leadership during the critical Barbican Renewal period, which includes a planned closure for works from June 2028. The extension would allow for a smooth transition to a new Chair in time for the Barbican's 50th anniversary.

2025 Election Engagement Campaign Review - Candidate Engagement Recommendations

This report was to present recommendations for improving prospective candidate engagement, building on the findings of the 2025 Election Engagement Campaign Review. The review identified structural and behavioural barriers that limit the conversion of interest into candidacy, particularly the absence of a political party infrastructure for candidate support. The recommendations focused on practical interventions, including the implementation of a Member mentoring scheme, the development of engaging materials and case studies, and the continuation of candidate engagement events.

Resolution from the Digital Services Committee

A resolution from the Digital Services Committee concerning the governance and reporting structure of the City Corporation's website was scheduled for discussion. The Digital Services Committee proposed that responsibility for the website's operation and supplier contract should formally sit with the Digital Information and Technology Service, while the Communications and Engagement Directorate would retain responsibility for content. This would consolidate reporting lines and ensure clear accountability.

Water Resilience Situation Analysis

This report, a joint submission from the Executive Director of Environment and the Executive Director of Innovation and Growth, was for information. It was intended to outline the City of London Corporation's current situation regarding water supply and demand, summarise statutory duties, and consider the implications for the Corporation and the Square Mile. The report proposed the development of a Water Resilience Action Plan to address the increasing risk of water stress in London.

Decisions Taken Under Delegated Authority or Urgency Powers

This item was for information, providing a report from the Town Clerk on decisions taken outside of the committee's scheduled meetings, in accordance with Standing Orders and urgency procedures.

New Budget Strategy Framework

This item, a joint report from the Chamberlain, Deputy Town Clerk, and Chief Strategy Officer, was scheduled for decision. It likely concerned the overarching strategy for the City of London Corporation's budget.

Museum of London Bridging Facility

A joint report from the Chamberlain and the City Surveyor was scheduled for decision, likely relating to financial arrangements or a facility for the Museum of London.

Barking Power Ltd & Thames Power Services Ltd - Update and Drawdown of Loan Facility

This report from the Chamberlain was for decision and would provide an update on Barking Power Ltd and Thames Power Services Ltd, including the drawdown of a loan facility.

Gresham Estate

A report from the Deputy Town Clerk, along with a Resolution from the Gresham (City Side) Committee, was scheduled for decision concerning the Gresham Estate.

Appointment of Additional External Members to Competitiveness Advisory Board (CAB)

This report from the Executive Director, Innovation & Growth, was for decision and concerned the appointment of additional external members to the Competitiveness Advisory Board (CAB).

InvestConnect

This item, a report from the Executive Director, Innovation and Growth, was for decision and likely related to the InvestConnect initiative.

Risk Appetite for CR43: Organisational Effectiveness

A report from the Chief Strategy Officer was scheduled for decision, focusing on the organisation's risk appetite concerning organisational effectiveness.

Freedom of the City

This item was for discussion and involved input from the City Solicitor and Remembrancer regarding the Freedom of the City.

Non-Public Agenda Items

The agenda also included several items for non-public discussion, including non-public minutes of previous meetings, and reports on the New Budget Strategy Framework, Museum of London Bridging Facility, Barking Power Ltd & Thames Power Services Ltd, Gresham Estate, appointments to the Competitiveness Advisory Board, InvestConnect, and Risk Appetite for Organisational Effectiveness. These items were likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information.