The Policy and Resources Committee meeting scheduled for 16 April 2026 was set to discuss a range of significant items, including proposals for a Business Improvement District in the City Riverside area, an update on the Climate Action Strategy, and the reinstatement of a Public Spaces Protection Order related to the London Marathon. The committee was also scheduled to consider the renewal of Lead Member roles and review actions arising from a Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge.

City River Partnership - Proposal to Progress Arrangements for the City Riverside Business Improvement District

A key item for discussion was the proposal to progress arrangements for the City Riverside Business Improvement District (CRBID). The report outlined the progress made by the City River Partnership in assessing the viability and desire for a BID in this area. It detailed the strategic themes and proposed project delivery for the BID, which were developed through consultation with businesses. The report recommended approving the CRBID proposal to allow progression to a formal ballot. The proposed BID levy would be 1% for businesses with a rateable value above £200,000, with a cap of £30,000. It was estimated that this levy would raise approximately £6.7 million over the BID's five-year term. The proposal aligns with the City of London Corporate Plan 2024-2029 and supports key elements of the Climate Action Strategy and Transport Strategy.

Climate Action Strategy FY25/26 Update & FY26/27 Plan

The committee was to receive an update on the delivery of the Climate Action Strategy (CAS), which aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040 and build resilience. The report provided an overview of Year 5 delivery activity (FY25/26) and outlined the plan for Year 6 (FY26/27), the final year of delivery under the current funding envelope. Members were asked to approve the drawdown of funds for FY26/27, covering the City's Estate (£5.4m) and City Fund (£18.8m). The CAS has delivered tangible impacts, including emissions reductions and improvements in greening, and has been recognised for its climate leadership. Year 6 plans include completing decarbonisation projects, developing a Heat Network Strategy, and implementing Sustainable Drainage Systems.

Reinstatement of the London Marathon Public Spaces Protection Order

The committee was asked to support the reinstatement of the London Marathon Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which expired in March 2026. Previous Orders have been effective in mitigating anti-social behaviour and violent disorder associated with the event. The report highlighted that incidents of harm and criminality along the protected route had reduced to zero over the past three years. The proposal was to reinstate the PSPO for another three years, which would grant the City of London Police additional powers to prevent public drinking and the consumption of nitrous oxide. This measure is supported by various City Corporation teams, the City of London Police, and the Safer City Partnership.

Lead Member Renewal (2026/27)

The committee was asked to approve the continuation of the Lead Member programme for 2026/27. These roles support the Committee and its Chairman in delivering priority areas. Six Lead Member roles were proposed for renewal: Climate Action, Innovation Technology & AI, Resident Engagement, SMEs, Sport, and Sustainable Finance. The report outlined the process for Members to apply for these roles, with appointments to be confirmed in May. The Lead Member roles are advisory and facilitative, strengthening collaboration between Members and Officers.

LGA Peer Review Actions

The committee was to note the findings of the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge, undertaken in November 2025, and the proposed Action Plan developed in response to its recommendations. The Peer Challenge recognised the City of London Corporation's strong strategic programmes, including Destination City and climate action initiatives. It identified five key recommendations relating to social housing, decision-making structures, Member-officer working relationships, Housing Revenue Account financial sustainability, and organisational understanding of financial challenges. An Action Plan has been developed to address these recommendations, with oversight from the Senior Leadership Team and a follow-up review by the LGA scheduled for later in 2026.

Support for UK-based Financial and Professional Service January - March 2026

This report provided an update on the City of London Corporation's work in support of UK-based Financial and Professional Services (FPS) between January and March 2026. It highlighted activities undertaken by the Innovation and Growth department, in collaboration with other departments, to promote foreign direct investment and support job creation. Key initiatives included participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos, the launch of the sixth edition of Our global offer to business, and visits to China, Japan, and the US. The report also detailed progress on sustainable finance, including the Transition Finance Council's work and the Mansion House Accord, as well as advancements in innovation and technology, such as the Digital Verification Orchestrator Strategy Steering Committee.

Other items scheduled for discussion included:

• Minutes: To consider and agree the public minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 March 2026.
• Non-Public Minutes: To note the non-public minutes of the Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Sub-Committee meeting held on 18 February 2026, and the draft minutes of the Income Generation Working Party meeting held on 18 March 2026.
• Sculpture in the City: Establishment of an External Entity: A report concerning the establishment of an external entity for Sculpture in the City.
• Member and Industry Steering Boards: Place Based Investment Spatial Framework for the Square Mile: A report on the Place Based Investment Spatial Framework for the Square Mile.
• Taskforce on Climate Related Financial Disclosures: Discussion on a resolution from the Pensions Committee and a draft report from the Chamberlain.
• Freedom of the City: A report from the Comptroller and City Solicitor.
• Non-Public Appendices: Including appendices related to the Climate Action Strategy and Support for UK-based Financial and Professional Services.

The meeting also included provisions for questions on matters relating to the work of the Committee and any other urgent business that the Chairman considered appropriate. A motion was also scheduled to exclude the public for certain items due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.