The General Purposes Committee of Aldermen met on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, to discuss proposed amendments to the bye-laws of the Worshipful Company of Builders' Merchants and a supplemental charter for the Worshipful Company of Needlemakers. The committee also reviewed the City Corporation's relationship with the Guildable Manor of Southwark and received an update on support for the UK's financial and professional services sector.

Worshipful Company of Builders' Merchants - Bye-Law Amendment

The committee was scheduled to consider a report from the Remembrancer regarding a proposed amendment to the bye-laws of the Worshipful Company of Builders' Merchants. This amendment, which had been unanimously agreed at a meeting of the Company's Court General, would limit the voting rights of past masters to 10 years after passing the chair, rather than the current 15 years, unless they continue to serve on a company committee. The report indicated that the amendment had been approved on a de minimis basis by the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Magistracy and Livery Sub Committee of the Court of Aldermen. The General Purposes Committee was recommended to approve the bye-law amendment.

Worshipful Company of Needlemakers - Supplemental Charter

A report from the Remembrancer was scheduled for discussion concerning a draft Supplemental Charter for the Worshipful Company of Needlemakers. This proposed charter would update and modernise the company's original charter from 1664. The amendments aimed to update the company's governance arrangements, expand its objects to include civic and community objectives alongside its focus on the needlemaking industry, and grant appropriate corporate powers. The proposal also sought to increase the permitted livery from 250 to 300 members and allow Masters of the Company to be known as Prime Warden if they wished. A schedule of byelaws, intended to govern the company's operations and align with those of other Livery Companies, was also part of the proposal. Officers from the Chamberlain's Department and the Remembrancer's Office had reviewed the draft and made limited, mostly typographical, observations. The Magistracy and Livery Sub Committee had previously considered and approved the draft Supplemental Charter and schedule. The General Purposes Committee was recommended to approve the draft Supplemental Charter and schedule.

The Guildable Manor of Southwark

The committee was scheduled to discuss the City Corporation's relationship with the Guildable Manor of Southwark. A report from the Remembrancer outlined the historical context of the City of London's jurisdiction over Southwark, including the granting of charters for three manors: the Guildable Manor, the King's Manor, and the Great Liberty. The report detailed how the City's jurisdiction culminated in the incorporation of Southwark as the ward of Bridge Without in 1550, although this jurisdiction ended in the early twentieth century. Despite this, the City Corporation retains the right to hold Courts Leet for the three manors. The report explained the historical functions of Courts Leet and how they have evolved into ceremonial proceedings, with the Recorder of London serving as the High Steward of Southwark. The Guildable Manor itself is described as an association of those called to attend the Southwark Court Leet, with its own constitution and objects focused on promoting fellowship and maintaining traditions. The report invited the Court of Aldermen to consider its ongoing relationship with the Guildable Manor.

Support for UK-based Financial and Professional Services - Innovation and Growth Quarterly Report

A report from the Executive Director for Innovation and Growth was presented for information, detailing the impact of the City of London Corporation's work in supporting UK-based Financial and Professional Services (FPS) between October and December 2025. The report highlighted activities aligned with the Corporate Plan 2024-29 objective of delivering Dynamic Economic Growth, the recommendations of the Vision for Economic Growth Report, and the Corporation's Competitiveness Strategy 2021-25. Key initiatives discussed included the launch of the Office for Investment: Financial Services (OfI:FS), the Lord Mayor's involvement in the Sterling20 group to coordinate investment into regional infrastructure, and the Lord Mayor's participation in Scotland's Global Investment Summit. The report also covered progress in sustainable finance, including the Transition Finance Council's international consultation on draft guidelines, and innovation in technology, such as the Lord Mayor's Quantum Hackathon and the launch of the Women Pivoting to Digital Taskforce webinar series. Updates from overseas offices in Brussels, India, China, and the US were also included, detailing engagements and strategic developments. The report outlined next steps, including support for upcoming international visits and the launch of the sixth edition of the annual Benchmarking report.