This week in City of London:

Social Housing Investment Approved Amidst Concerns Over Housing Standards

The Court of Common Council approved the allocation of up to £151.77m from the City Fund to support major works on its social housing stock, addressing a critical funding gap in the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). This decision comes after reports that a lack of planned maintenance and rising building costs have made it unaffordable to bring the existing housing stock up to a good standard. Link to Court of Common Council Meeting

• Housing Crisis Averted? The investment aims to prevent the Regulator for Social Housing (RSH) from deeming the City Corporation unfit to manage its housing stock, which includes approximately 3,000 units across multiple London boroughs.
• Decent Homes Upgrades: The funding will support a costed programme of works, including decent home upgrades, roof works, decarbonisation, lighting and accessibility improvements, lift refurbishment, internal redecoration, communal flooring, and electrical upgrades.
• Transparency Concerns: While the Chamberlain assured committees that all available funding options were thoroughly evaluated, including the potential use of the City's Estate, some may question why this level of investment was not planned for earlier.

This decision could significantly improve the living conditions for thousands of social housing residents, but questions remain about the long-term sustainability of the HRA and the need for proactive maintenance planning.

Pan-London Sexual Health Service Awarded £235 Million Contract Amidst High Satisfaction Rates

The Court of Common Council approved a five-year contract, with the option to extend for up to a further 48 months, for the Pan London Sexual Health Programme eService (SHL.UK). The estimated contract value is £235 million over 9 years, with annual costs rising from £22 million to £29 million. Link to Court of Common Council Meeting

• Discreet and Convenient: The SHL.UK service provides a discreet, convenient, and cost-effective online platform for sexual health testing and treatment.
• High Satisfaction: The service boasts a 99% service user satisfaction rate and has been recognized for its environmental sustainability.
• Public Health Grant Funded: The City of London Corporation only pays for the use of the service by its own residents, and the service is funded by The Public Health Grant.

This decision ensures the continuation of a vital public health service that has proven to be highly effective and well-received by users.

City Plan 2040 Modifications Proposed, Sparking Debate on Heritage and Development

The Court of Common Council will consult on proposed Main and Additional Modifications to the City Plan 2040, a new local plan setting the policies and strategic priorities that will guide the growth of the Square Mile up to 2040. Link to Court of Common Council Meeting

• Heritage Focus: Many changes relate to heritage and tall buildings, including clarifications on preserving Conservation Areas[^2], using the St Paul's Setting Study in assessments, and changes to the contours at the southeastern corner of the City Cluster and to include a new tall building site at Broadgate.
• Soundness Concerns: The Planning Inspectors have prepared a list of proposed Main and Additional Modifications to the plan, with the Main Modifications reflecting changes deemed necessary to make the plan 'sound'.
• Consultation Period: Following approval, the Main and Additional Modifications will be consulted upon for 6 weeks, and the City Plan 2040 will be brought back to all committees in Summer 2026 to seek approval for adoption.

This consultation period provides an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to voice their opinions on the proposed modifications and shape the future development of the City.

Other Matters

• The Court of Common Council approved the annual On-Street Parking Accounts for 2024/25, noting a surplus of £9.04m and planned expenditure of £112.7m on highway improvements and other projects over the medium term. Link to Court of Common Council Meeting
• The Court of Common Council formally thanked the late Alderman Alastair John Naisbitt King DL for his service as Lord Mayor of the City of London. Link to Court of Common Council Meeting
• The Court of Aldermen considered applications for the Freedom of the City from a diverse group of individuals, including business leaders, artists, and public servants. Link to Court of Aldermen Meeting
• The Natural Environment Board discussed the 2026/27 budget, fees and charges for City Gardens, and responsible dog ownership. Link to Natural Environment Board Meeting
• The City of London Police Authority Board discussed performance updates, subcommittee reports, and the future of the City of London Police estate. Link to City of London Police Authority Board Meeting
• The Communications & Corporate Affairs Sub (Policy & Resources) Committee discussed a strategic branding review, political party conferences, and an update to the Square Mile Sport Strategy. Link to Communications & Corporate Affairs Sub (Policy & Resources) Committee Meeting
• The Streets and Walkways Sub (Planning and Transportation) Committee discussed street improvement projects, including the St Paul's Gyratory Transformation Project and the Fenchurch Street Area Healthy Streets Plan. Link to Streets and Walkways Sub (Planning and Transportation) Committee Meeting
• The People, Culture & Inclusion Committee of the Barbican Centre Board discussed the draft Equity, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EEDI) Strategic Framework and an update on the Barbican Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy. Link to People, Culture & Inclusion Committee of the Barbican Centre Board Meeting
• The Finance and Risk Committee of the Barbican Centre Board discussed the annual budget, a review of the Barbican's business operations, and updates on sustainability, health and safety, cyber security, and risk management. Link to Finance and Risk Committee of the Barbican Centre Board Meeting
• The Member Development and Standards Sub Committee discussed the Member Learning and Development Strategy and a rolling programme of training events. Link to Member Development and Standards Sub Committee Meeting
• The Finance Committee approved the operational budget estimates for 2026/27, allocated funds from the International Disaster Fund, and addressed the Housing Revenue Account position. Link to Finance Committee Meeting
• The General Purposes Committee of Aldermen discussed the City of London Corporation's budget, the transfer of trusteeship of the Samuel Wilson Loan Charity, and the disposal of 1 Queen Victoria Street. Link to General Purposes Committee of Aldermen Meeting
• The Policy and Resources Committee discussed a ward boundary review, strategic branding, the Square Mile Sport Strategy, and the Sculpture in the City programme. Link to Policy and Resources Committee Meeting
• The West Ham Park Committee discussed the park's budget for 2026/27 and reviewed a report from the Assistant Director of North London Open Spaces. Link to West Ham Park Committee Meeting
• The Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park Committee approved the revenue and capital budgets for 2026/27 for Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park. Link to Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park Committee Meeting
• The Senior Remuneration Sub-Committee discussed a report from the Interim Chief People Officer and Executive Director of Human Resources. Link to Senior Remuneration Sub-Committee Meeting
• The Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee approved two blue plaque proposals, rejected one, and deferred a decision on the Sculpture in the City programme pending further information. Link to Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee Meeting