The Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee met on Monday 19 January 2026 to discuss the proposed budget for the upcoming financial year, review the financial outturn forecast, and consider updates to the City Arts Initiative and the Blue Plaques scheme. The committee also received information on library services and the ongoing culture strategy.

Departmental Budget Estimates 2026-27

The committee was scheduled to consider the departmental budget estimates for the 2026-27 financial year. The proposed budget indicated a net expenditure of £27.163 million, representing a 9.3% increase compared to the 2025-26 budget. This rise was primarily attributed to a 3% inflation increase, an expansion of the Cyclical Works Programme, and an inflationary uplift for the London Museum grant. The report detailed budget proposals across various departments, including those overseen by the Deputy Town Clerk, Executive Director of Community and Children's Services, Executive Director of Environment, and the City Surveyor. Recommendations included reviewing the proposed budget allocation to align with committee objectives and authorising the Chamberlain to make minor amendments.

Culture, Heritage and Libraries Revenue Outturn Forecast as at Quarter 3 2025/26

A report was presented outlining the estimated financial outturn for the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee as at the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The forecast indicated a projected overspend of £143,000 within the local risk budget, attributed to unidentified savings and lower-than-targeted income. Additionally, the central risk budget was projected to overspend by £110,000, primarily due to increased rents and rates at The London Archives. The committee was asked to note this report.

City Arts Initiative - Governance Proposal & Terms of Reference Update

The committee was scheduled to consider a report proposing updates to the governance framework and Terms of Reference for the City Arts Initiative, with a recommendation to rename the panel to the City Public Art Panel. Key proposed changes included delegating authority for temporary public art proposals to the Head of Profession for Culture, reducing the number of elected Culture, Heritage and Libraries (CHL) Committee members on the panel from four to three, and streamlining the governance process for temporary public art applications. The report highlighted that these changes aimed to create a more efficient and user-friendly process for stakeholders.

City Arts Initiative - Recommendations to the Committee

This item was scheduled to present recommendations from the City Arts Initiative (CAI) panel, which had met on 4 December 2025. The report specifically detailed a recommendation to approve a blue plaque for Feltmaker's Hall, recognising the historical significance of the original hall and the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers' contribution to the City's commercial and civic life. The approval was noted as being subject to obtaining necessary permissions from environmental health, planning, and highways departments.

COLC Blue Plaques Scheme Redesign

A report was presented concerning the redesign of the City of London Corporation (CoLC) Blue Plaques Scheme. The proposal aimed to modernise the scheme by introducing an enhanced governance structure through a new, voluntary, dedicated Blue Plaques Panel, with revised operational processes and a sustainable funding model combining self-funding and internal resources. The expected outcomes included clearer decision-making, faster applications, more diverse commemorations, and better utilisation of the scheme for future generations. The committee was invited to approve the proposal to restructure the scheme and endorse the establishment of the new Blue Plaques Panel and its associated Terms of Reference. The report also included an analysis of the current scheme, benchmarking against comparable schemes, and detailed the proposed eligibility criteria, selection process, and guidance for handling contested heritage.

Culture Strategy - Verbal Update

A verbal update on the Culture Strategy was scheduled to be provided to the committee.

Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Committee

Members of the committee were scheduled to have the opportunity to ask questions regarding matters related to the committee's work.

Any Other Business the Chair Considers Urgent

This item allowed for any urgent matters, not previously listed on the agenda, to be raised and considered if the Chair deemed them appropriate.

Exclusion of the Public

A motion was scheduled to be considered for the exclusion of the public from the meeting for subsequent items, on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Non-Public Minutes

The committee was scheduled to agree the non-public minutes of the previous meeting held on 08 December 2025.

Future Showcasing of the Lord Mayor's State Coach

A report from the City Surveyor was scheduled for review concerning the future showcasing of the Lord Mayor's State Coach.

Non-Public Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Committee

This item provided an opportunity for members to ask questions on matters relating to the committee's work during the non-public session.

Any Other Business that the Chair Considers Urgent and Which the Committee Agree Should Be Considered Whilst the Public Are Excluded

This item allowed for any urgent matters to be raised and considered during the non-public session, with the agreement of the committee.