The Policy and Resources Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, 4 June 2026, was set to discuss a range of important issues, including future access options for the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds, capital bids for infrastructure projects, and the year-end progress report on the Corporate Strategy and Performance Business Plan. The committee was also scheduled to consider appointments to the Income Generation Working Party and review the City Surveyor's business plan and risk register.

Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds Future Access Options

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing future access arrangements for the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds. This followed a public consultation prompted by the Supreme Court's For Women Scotland judgment, which clarified legal definitions of 'sex' under the Equality Act 2010. The report presented the outcomes of this consultation, which involved over 38,000 responses. The overwhelming majority of respondents favoured continuing the current trans-inclusive access arrangements (Option 2), with 86% agreeing with this approach. This option proposed maintaining the existing policy where the Highgate Men's Pond is accessible to biological men and trans men, and the Kenwood Ladies' Pond is accessible to biological women and trans women. The report also recommended adopting a simple access policy and proceeding with proposed improvements to changing, showering, and toilet facilities across all three Bathing Ponds, estimated to cost between £730,000 and £1.08m. The committee was asked to approve these recommendations, including the in-principle funding for the facility improvements.

CIL Capital Bids – Quarter 1 2026/2027

The committee was also scheduled to consider capital bids for funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Two projects were recommended for allocation: £320,000 for Fenchurch Street Enhancements and £253,000 for Barbican Library Refresh Electrical Work. The Fenchurch Street Enhancements bid aims to develop concept designs for public realm improvements, pavement widening, and revised waiting and loading areas to accommodate increased footfall and support future development. The Barbican Library bid seeks to modernise electrical, IT, and security provisions to address inadequacy issues, improve accessibility, and support digital services.

Local Implementation Plan Funded Schemes 2026/27

Funding allocations from Transport for London's (TfL) Local Implementation Plan (LIP) for the financial year 2026/27 were also on the agenda. The total allocation was £712,000, covering various schemes including Safer Corridors & Neighbourhoods, Safer Cycleway Network Development, Cycle Parking, Cycle Training, Principal Road Renewal, and Bridge Assessment and Strengthening. The committee was asked to approve these allocations and delegate authority to the Executive Director, Environment, to reallocate funds between schemes up to a maximum of £250,000 if necessary.

Corporate Strategy and Performance Business Plan 2025-2026: Year-End Progress Report

A report from the Chief Strategy Officer was presented for information, detailing progress against the Corporate Strategy and Performance Team's (CSPT) Business Plan for the financial year 2025-2026. The report highlighted key achievements such as the rollout of a new Risk Appetite Statement, the implementation of the EEDI Strategic Framework, and progress on data hub development. It also noted areas where performance targets were not met and outlined mitigation actions.

Other Scheduled Discussions

The agenda also included noting public minutes from the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee and the Capital Buildings Board, considering Wardmote Resolutions from Cripplegate, Dowgate, and Vintry Wards, and making appointments to the Income Generation Working Party. Several non-public items were also scheduled for discussion, including minutes from various sub-committees and reports on the Meanwhile Use & Discretionary Rate Relief Policy, the Salisbury Square Development, and the Future Police Estate Programme.

The meeting was scheduled to be held in public, with provisions for virtual observation.