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 political party conferences, and a review of the City Corporation's digital estate. The meeting also included a report on the work of the Parliamentary Team.

Communications and Engagement Overview

A report was presented detailing communications, engagement, and corporate affairs activities undertaken between 1 April and 21 May 2026. The period following the May local elections was marked by national discussions on economic growth, public sector reform, and political leadership, against a backdrop of technological changes and geopolitical shifts. The report highlighted activities focused on economic growth positioning, major civic and cultural announcements, stakeholder engagement, and organisational visibility. It also noted the commencement of a new phase for the function with the arrival of Robert Hall as the new Executive Director of Communications and Engagement. The report detailed media coverage secured for the Policy Chairman and the Lady Mayor, including their engagements in Switzerland, New York, and India. The inaugural Global Risk Summit was also reviewed, which aimed to underline London's position as a global centre for risk expertise. The Destination City initiative was discussed, with a focus on increasing weekend footfall in the Square Mile and promoting developments like the West Smithfield Annex buildings. Communications activity supporting police reform and the City of London Police Safer City Streets initiative was also outlined. The report detailed significant national coverage for Freedom ceremonies, including those of Penny Lancaster and Gloria Hunniford, and the City Corporation's decision regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Freedom of the City. A celebration of 1996: A celebration of the wildest year of Britain's wildest decade - 30 years on at the Barbican Music Library also generated substantial media coverage. The report also provided an update on political engagement, including meetings with various political figures and correspondence with political stakeholders. London and regional political engagement activities were also summarised, alongside community and inclusion engagement efforts, such as the development of City Belonging Champions and activities for Pride Month. Internal communications and engagement efforts, particularly concerning the Ambition 25 programme and the May, We Grow campaign, were also detailed. The report concluded with performance overviews for corporate social media feeds and media mentions, as well as a forward look at upcoming priorities and campaigns.

Update on Party Conferences

The committee was scheduled to consider recommendations for the City Corporation's approach to political party conferences later in the year. Following the May local elections, a revised strategy was proposed, including collaboration on an event with other trade associations at the Reform Party Conference, officer observation of the Green Party conference, and a revised format for the Liberal Democrat event, moving from a reception to a smaller dinner. These proposals were to be presented to the Policy and Resources Committee for approval. The report noted the significant gains made by the Reform Party and the Green Party in the recent elections, influencing the proposed level of engagement. Preparations for the Conservative and Labour conferences were also underway, including confirming event spaces and liaising with partner organisations. The report included a timeline of activities for June, July, August, and September, outlining the process for member delegation selection, event planning, and briefing preparation.

Digital Estate Review

The Executive Director of Communications & Engagement was scheduled to present an update on the Digital Estate Review. This review aims to address the fragmentation and duplication arising from the City Corporation's extensive and complex digital infrastructure, which is spread across multiple platforms. The report indicated that further review and recommendations would be brought forward in June.

Parliamentary Team Update

A report from the City Remembrancer provided an update on the Parliamentary Team's activities in support of the City of London Corporation's political and parliamentary engagement. The update included a summary of the legislative agenda outlined in the King's Speech, detailing new Bills such as the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, Competition Reform Bill, Courts Modernisation Bill, Digital Access to Services Bill, Education for All Bill, Financial Services and Markets Bill, European Partnership Bill, Overnight Visitor Levy Bill, Police Reform Bill, Regulating for Growth Bill, Small Business Protections Bill, and Social Housing Renewal Bill. Carry-over Bills, including the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, Public Office (Accountability) Bill, and Representation of the People Bill, were also summarised. The report also listed Acts that had received Royal Assent at the end of the previous session. Furthermore, it provided an update on ongoing work related to the APPG on Financial Markets and Services, City of London Police matters, a parliamentary reception for the Epping Forest Act 1878 anniversary, and the progress of the City of London (Markets) Bill. Draft Bills, including the Draft Conversion Practices Bill, Draft Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles Bill, Draft Ticket Tout Ban Bill, and Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill, were also outlined.