The Communications & Corporate Affairs Sub (Policy & Resources) Committee met on Thursday 11 June 2026 to discuss an overview of communications and engagement activities, an update on preparations for party conferences, and a review of the digital estate. The meeting also included an update from the Parliamentary Team.

Communications and Engagement Overview

The committee was scheduled to receive a report from the Executive Director of Communications and Engagement, Robert Hall, providing an overview of activities undertaken between 1 April and 21 May 2026. This report was intended to summarise output around key organisational moments and activity, with a commitment to more integrated, thematic summaries in future submissions. The period covered by the report marked the start of a new phase for the function, following the arrival of Robert Hall as the new Executive Director. The report highlighted significant media coverage for the Policy Chairman, including comments on financial services reforms in the Financial Times and Bloomberg, and discussions on transatlantic cooperation in financial services during a visit to New York. The Lady Mayor's visit to India also generated substantial coverage, with an opinion piece in the Hindustan Times addressing perceptions of London. The inaugural Global Risk Summit was noted as an opportunity to underline London's position as a global centre for risk expertise, securing coverage in various national and trade media. The Destination City initiative was also highlighted, with a piece in The Economist discussing the City of London becoming a seven-day-a-week destination. Communications activity supporting police reform was also detailed, including an opinion piece in City A.M. linking security to prosperity. Major national coverage was secured for the Freedom ceremonies of Penny Lancaster and Gloria Hunniford. The report also detailed political engagement activities, including meetings with ministers and senior government officials, and coordination of letters to political stakeholders. London and regional engagement activities were also outlined, alongside community and internal communications efforts, including the May, We Grow campaign and the development of communication channels. The report concluded with a forward look at upcoming priorities, including the opening of the London Museum, London Climate Action Week, and the Lord Mayor's Show.

Update on Party Conferences

The committee was scheduled to consider a report from the Executive Director of Communications and Engagement, Robert Hall, regarding preparations for political party conferences. The report aimed to provide recommendations on the approach to be taken following the May local elections and the Expression of Interest (EOI) process for member delegations. The overarching objective for 2026 was to increase understanding across the political spectrum of the City Corporation's convening power and its role in delivering economic growth. The report noted that previous recommendations included collaborating on an event with other trade associations at the Reform Party Conference, officer observation of the Green Party conference, and revisiting the Liberal Democrat offer for a smaller dinner. The report also detailed the planned programme for the Labour and Conservative party conferences, including fringe events and additional events. The impact of the May local election results on engagement strategies with the Reform and Green parties was discussed. A timeline of activities for June, July, August, and September was provided, outlining steps for member delegation selection, event planning, and briefing preparation.

Digital Estate Review

The Executive Director of Communications & Engagement was scheduled to present on the Digital Estate Review. This item was listed for discussion and aimed to address the City Corporation's large and complex digital estate, which is spread across multiple platforms, leading to fragmentation and duplication. The report indicated that further review and recommendations would be brought forward.

Parliamentary Team Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update from the Remembrancer, Paul Wright, on the Parliamentary Team's activity. This report provided an overview of previous and planned activity in support of the City of London Corporation's political and parliamentary engagement since the last formal update on 31 March 2026. The update included a summary of the Government's legislative agenda as set out in the King's Speech, highlighting Bills of interest to the City Corporation, such as the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, Competition Reform Bill, and Financial Services and Markets Bill. Carry-over Bills, including the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, were also mentioned. The report detailed ongoing work on the APPG on Financial Markets and Services, engagement related to City of London Police, and a parliamentary reception for the Epping Forest Act 1878 anniversary. Progress on the City of London (Markets) Bill was also noted. Draft Bills, including the Draft Conversion Practices Bill and Draft Ticket Tout Ban Bill, were also outlined.