At a meeting of the Court of Common Council, the City of London Corporation agreed to changes to officer delegation, discussed housing governance, and received a report from the Panel of Independent Persons. The Court also approved a motion to instruct officers to report on introducing rolling electoral registration.

Here's a breakdown of the key topics discussed:

Election of Chief Commoner

The Court was asked to elect a Chief Commoner for 2026-2027. Two candidates were nominated: Councillor Charles Edward Lord, and Councillor Philip Woodhouse. Supporting statements from both candidates were included in the Chief Commoner contested vacancy FINAL report.

Councillor Charles Edward Lord stated that he would:

bring experience, energy, and empathy to the role, ensuring that the Corporation does everything it can to support its Members in our broad and diverse duties.

Councillor Philip Woodhouse pledged to:

Support members in delivering for their electorates by removing barriers to participation.

Housing Governance Working Party

The Court considered nominations for eight members of the Housing Governance Working Party. Those nominated were: Councillor Matthew Bell, Councillor Nick Bensted-Smith, Deputy John Fletcher, Councillor Mercy Haggerty, Councillor Stephen Hodgson, Councillor Adam Hogg, Councillor Sandra Jenner, Councillor Charles Edward Lord, Councillor James Tumbridge, Councillor Jacqui Webster, Councillor Mark Raymond Peter Henry Delano Wheatley and Deputy Ceri Wilkins.

Scheme of Delegations – Managing Director of City Bridge Foundation

The Court approved proposed changes to the Officer Scheme of Delegations for the City of London Corporation, specifically relating to the Managing Director of City Bridge Foundation (CBF). These changes aim to support the City Corporation in its administration and governance of CBF, consistent with its legal obligations as a trustee. An additional amendment was approved for the Chamberlain & Chief Financial Officer to clarify the procedure for writing off debt affecting CBF.

The approved revisions:

• Clarify the functions attributed to the Managing Director and the process by which these should be discharged.
• Ensure the standing written delegations are appropriately organised to support the effective exercise of delegated authority to officers in the day-to-day management of the charity in its best interests.
• Ensure the delegations are consistent with the constitutional and governance principles agreed by the Court.
• Accurately reflect decisions taken in adopting the agreed Target Operating Model and relevant departmental restructures.
• Are sufficiently mindful of the need to manage conflicts of interest/loyalty in discharging the City Corporation's functions.
• Account for any changes in operation and management since the entry in the Scheme of Delegations was last formally updated.

The CBF MD Scheme of Delegations FINAL document outlines the specific changes to the Scheme of Delegations.

Investment Property Governance Update

The Court approved amendments to the Standing Orders to raise the thresholds for leasehold transactions related to investment properties. The changes mean that the grant of any lease at less than full rack rental value¹ can be delegated to officers. Any premium being subject to the following approvals:

These changes align the thresholds for leasehold transactions with those approved in May 2025 for other investment property transactions, allowing for more dynamic management of the investment portfolios.

Panel of Independent Persons Report

The Court noted the activities undertaken by the Panel of Independent Persons since May 2024, as detailed in the Panel of Ind Persons Report FINAL. The Panel is responsible for independently considering complaints against elected or co-opted members of the Corporation and for making recommendations on dispensation requests.

The report highlighted that the Panel had considered one formal complaint during the reporting period, which concerned a member failing to act impartially. The Assessment Panel determined that, whilst the complaint was admissible, no further action should be taken given that the Subject Member had apologised.

The Panel also made recommendations on two applications for dispensation.

Central London Forward Programme

The Court approved proposals relating to the 'Full Potential' programme, one of five Get Britain Working Trailblazer programmes funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) via the Greater London Authority (GLA). The proposals involve novating the agreements from the London Borough of Camden to the City of London Corporation, making the City of London Corporation the contracting authority on behalf of Central London Forward (CLF).

The Court also approved the acceptance of £15 million of additional funding from the GLA and/or DWP for an extension of the programme, which supports young people with experience of the care system, for delivery between April 2026 and March 2029.

Freedom of the City

The Court approved a list of applicants to be admitted to the Freedom of the City. The Item 12 Freed Applicants FINAL _v2 document lists all of the names of the people who were approved.

Motion on Rolling Electoral Registration

The Court considered a motion by Councillor Leyla Boulton concerning the introduction of rolling electoral registration at the City of London Corporation. The motion noted that the City of London is the only place in the UK without rolling electoral registers, which allow new electors to be added monthly.

The Court resolved to instruct officers to bring forward a report to the Policy & Resources Committee setting out the necessary steps to achieve legislative change at the earliest opportunity to introduce rolling electoral registration in the City of London Corporation.

Measures Introduced into Parliament

The Court received a report from the City Remembrancer outlining measures introduced into Parliament that may affect the work and services provided by the City Corporation. The report highlighted the Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2025, also known as Awaab's Law, which sets out requirements for social housing providers to address hazards such as damp and mould.