The Policy and Resources Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, 4 June 2026, was set to discuss a range of important matters, including the future access arrangements for the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds, capital bids for infrastructure projects, and progress on the City Corporation's Corporate Strategy and Performance Business Plan. The committee was also scheduled to consider appointments to the Income Generation Working Party and review various committee minutes.

Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds Future Access Options

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the future access arrangements for the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds. This followed a public consultation prompted by the Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers, which clarified legal definitions related to sex and gender identity. The report presented the outcome of this consultation, which involved over 38,000 responses. The overwhelming majority of respondents favoured Option 2, which recommended continuing the current trans-inclusive access arrangements for the Highgate Men's Pond and Kenwood Ladies' Pond. The report also outlined proposed improvements to the facilities at all three Bathing Ponds, estimated to cost between £730,000 and £1.08 million. The committee was asked to approve Option 2, the associated access policy, and the in-principle funding for the facility improvements.

CIL Capital Bids - Quarter 1 2026/2027

The committee was also scheduled to consider capital bids for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding. Two projects were recommended for allocation: £320,000 for Fenchurch Street Enhancements, aimed at developing the concept design for public realm improvements, pavement widening, and accessibility enhancements to support increased footfall and future development. Additionally, £253,000 was requested for Barbican Library Refresh Electrical Works to modernise the library's electrical, IT, and security provisions, improving its flexibility and user-friendliness.

Local Implementation Plan Funded Schemes 2026/27

Funding allocations from Transport for London's (TfL) Local Implementation Plan (LIP) for the financial year 2026/27 were also on the agenda. The total allocation was £712,000, designated for various schemes including safer corridors and neighbourhoods, cycleway development, cycle parking, cycle training, principal road renewal, and bridge assessment and strengthening. The committee was asked to approve these allocations and delegate authority to the Executive Director, Environment, to reallocate funds up to £250,000 if necessary.

Corporate Strategy and Performance Business Plan 2025-2026: Year-End Progress Report

A report from the Chief Strategy Officer was presented for information, detailing progress against the Corporate Strategy and Performance Team's (CSPT) Business Plan for the financial year 2025-2026. The report highlighted achievements such as the rollout of a new Risk Appetite Statement, the implementation of the EEDI Strategic Framework, and progress on the Corporate Plan 2024-2029. It also noted areas where targets were not met and the mitigations put in place.

Appointment of Members to the Income Generation Working Party (2026/27)

The committee was asked to endorse the appointment of six members to the Income Generation Working Party for the upcoming civic year. These members had submitted expressions of interest and met the required criteria. A further place was to be advertised to the wider Court.

Wardmote Resolutions

The committee was also scheduled to consider resolutions from the Wards of Cripplegate, Dowgate, and Vintry. These resolutions raised concerns about the City of London Corporation's planning process, opposition to a proposed Business Improvement District (BID) in the Ward of Dowgate, and opposition to the proposed Riverside Business Improvement District and an Overnight Visitor Levy in the Ward of Vintry.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as the approval of previous minutes and declarations of interest. Several items were marked for information only and were expected to be taken without discussion. The latter part of the meeting was closed to the public to discuss non-public minutes and other sensitive matters.