The Policy and Resources Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 19 February 2026, to discuss a range of important matters. Key topics on the agenda include a review of the committee's terms of reference, an assessment of governance efficiencies and prioritisation, and the annual report on the City of London Corporation's Corporate Plan for 2024-2029. The committee will also consider the future funding of the Climate Action Strategy post-2027 and proposals regarding natural environment charities.

Terms of Reference Review

The committee is scheduled to review its terms of reference as part of an annual governance process. The report, authored by the Deputy Town Clerk, outlines the existing terms of reference for the Policy and Resources Committee, which are attached at Appendix 1 of the report Annual Terms of Reference.pdf. No changes are proposed at this time, but members will have the opportunity to provide feedback and suggest any amendments that may be necessary. Any proposed changes would be submitted to the Court of Common Council in April 2026.

Governance Efficiencies and Prioritisation

A report from the Assistant Town Clerk addresses concerns regarding the effectiveness of governance and decision-making at the City Corporation. The report, titled Governance Efficiencies and Prioritisation Feb 2025 - PR - Governance Efficiencies FINAL.pdf, highlights a complex constitutional structure and suggests that a reduction in the number of meetings could improve efficiency. The committee is asked to consider and agree a target for meeting reduction, recommend a prioritisation of governance reviews to the Court of Common Council, and support proposed changes to service provision for the Governance & Member Services Team.

City of London Corporation Corporate Plan 2024-2029: Year 1 Report

The Chief Strategy Officer's report provides an overview of the City of London Corporation's progress during the first year of its Corporate Plan 2024-2029 202601 CP24-29 YEAR 1 full report FINAL.pdf. The report assesses progress across all six strategic outcomes of the plan, offering a high-level strategic assessment of achievements within the broader strategic and operating context. An updated Key Facts document is also included, which will be made available online alongside other Corporate Plan products. Members are asked to note the content of the report and agree to its formal publication on the City Corporation's website.

Future Funding of the Climate Action Strategy Post-2027

This item, detailed in a report from the Executive Director, Innovation & Growth PIF Cover Report - 19 February 2026.pdf, concerns the long-term financial planning for the City's Climate Action Strategy. The report, with supporting information in Appendix 1 Appendix 1 - PIF Report 19 Feb26.pdf and Appendix 3 Appendix 3 - PIF Progress Report - 19 Feb26.pdf, will likely outline proposals for securing funding beyond 2027 to ensure the continued implementation of climate initiatives.

Natural Environment Charities

This agenda item addresses the Natural Environment Charities through two reports. The first, Transformation of the Natural Environment Charities - Update on the Implementation of the Natural Environment Charities Review, provides an update on the progress of a review into these charities. The second report, Natural Environment Charities Review – Grant Funding Model Principles Proposal, outlines proposed principles for a grant funding model. Both reports are joint efforts by the Chamberlain and the Executive Director, Environment.

City Fund & City's Estate Highway Disposal - Thavies Inn House, 1-6 Holborn Circus, London EC1

The City Surveyor presents a report concerning the disposal of highway property related to the City Fund and the City's Estate. The specific property in question is Thavies Inn House, located at 1-6 Holborn Circus, London EC1. This item is likely to detail proposals for the sale or other disposal of this asset.

Appointment of Independent Persons

A joint report from the Deputy Town Clerk and the Comptroller and City Solicitor concerns the appointment of Independent Persons. This role is crucial for upholding standards of conduct among elected and co-opted members of the City of London Corporation, as mandated by the Localism Act 2011. The report Report - Appointment of IPs 2025-6.pdf will likely seek approval for the appointment of individuals to this panel, ensuring the Corporation can fulfil its statutory duties in handling complaints against members.

Policy and Resources Contingency/Discretionary Funds

The Chamberlain's report addresses the use of contingency and discretionary funds available to the Policy and Resources Committee. This item, marked for information only, will likely provide an update on the current status and utilisation of these funds, as detailed in Appendix 4 Appendix 4 - Contingency Progress Report - 19 Feb26.pdf.