The Policy and Resources Committee meeting scheduled for 16 April 2026 was set to cover a range of significant topics, including proposals for a new Business Improvement District in the City Riverside area, an update on the Climate Action Strategy, and the renewal of Lead Member roles. The committee was also scheduled to discuss the reinstatement of a Public Spaces Protection Order related to the London Marathon.

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

A key item for discussion was the proposal to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) for the City Riverside area. The report outlined the progress made by the City River Partnership in assessing the viability and business appetite for such a district. The proposal detailed strategic themes and planned project delivery, aiming to align with the City of London Corporate Plan 2024-2029. The recommendation was to approve the City River BID proposal to allow progression to a formal ballot. This initiative, if successful, would aim to raise approximately £6.7 million over five years to invest in the City Riverside area, focusing on re-imagining the area as a destination, promoting its identity, enlivening its public spaces, and connecting its business and community.

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) for the financial year 2025/26 and the plan for 2026/27. The CAS, approved in October 2020, aims to achieve net zero emissions for the City Corporation's operations by 2027 and across its full value chain by 2040, as well as supporting net zero in the Square Mile by 2040 and building climate resilience. The report detailed progress on various initiatives, including energy efficiency improvements, carbon removal projects, sustainable design standards for capital projects, and community engagement efforts. Members were asked to approve the drawdown of funds for the 2026/27 financial year from the original CAS budget envelope, covering the City's Estate and City Fund.

Lead Member Renewal (2026/27)

The committee was asked to consider the renewal of the Lead Member programme for the 2026/27 period. These roles, established to support the committee and its chairman in delivering priority areas, play an advisory and facilitative capacity. 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.

Reinstatement of the London Marathon Public Spaces Protection Order

A report was presented concerning the reinstatement of the London Marathon Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which had expired in March 2026. The PSPO, initially implemented in March 2020, was designed to mitigate anti-social behaviour and violent disorder experienced along the race route. The report indicated that the previous Order had been effective in reducing crime and disorder to zero over the past three years. The proposal was to reinstate the PSPO for another three years, with the formal order to be presented to the Court of Common Council for final agreement.

LGA Peer Review Actions

The committee was to be informed of the outcomes of the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge, undertaken in November 2025 and reported in February 2026. The review identified strengths in strategic programmes such as Destination City and climate action, but also set out five key recommendations concerning governance, housing, financial sustainability, and organisational culture. An Action Plan had been developed to address these recommendations, and members were asked to note the proposed actions.

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 supporting UK-based Financial and Professional Services (FPS) between January and March 2026. It highlighted the impact of workstreams within the Innovation and Growth Department, in collaboration with other departments, on driving growth through initiatives like the Office for Investment: Financial Services, the Transition Finance Council, and the Mansion House Accord. The report also offered a high-level review of the 2025/2026 financial year, ahead of the full Annual Review publication.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The committee was scheduled to consider and agree the public minutes of the Policy and Resources Committee meeting held on 19 March 2026. Additionally, public minutes and non-public summaries from the Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Sub-Committee meeting on 18 February 2026 were to be noted.