The Court of Common Council met on Thursday 10 September 2026, discussing a range of important issues including the process for removing the Freedom of the City, the potential establishment of a Policy Leader role, and the City's position as a premier financial services destination. Key decisions included the approval of a new Act of Common Council to enable the removal of the Freedom of the City and the rejection of a motion to establish a Policy Leader position.

Bill for an Act of Common Council: Removal of the Freedom of the City

The Court considered and approved a Bill for an Act of Common Council to establish a new process for the removal of the Freedom of the City of London from individuals. This new legislation was deemed necessary due to the obsolescence of the existing process. The Bill confers the power of removal upon the Court of Common Council itself, to be exercised with regard to relevant common law principles and the specific circumstances of a case. This decision was made following a previous resolution in May 2026 to commence proceedings for the removal of the Freedom from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The new process, as outlined in the report from the Policy and Resources Committee, includes provisions for allegations to be submitted to the Committee, for the individual concerned to make written representations, and for the matter to be considered by the Court. The Bill was read a first, second, and third time, and passed into law, coming into effect immediately.

Motion to Establish a Policy Leader Position

A motion, submitted by Deputy Ann Holmes, proposed the establishment of a Policy Leader position, to be elected by the whole membership of the Court of Common Council and to become Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee. The intention behind the motion was to enhance transparency and accountability in the City Corporation's leadership structure. However, the motion was ultimately lost following a division.

During the debate, various arguments were put forward. Proponents of the motion highlighted the need for clear leadership titles and direct accountability to the entire Court, arguing that the current de facto leadership of the Chair of Policy and Resources lacked clarity. Concerns were raised that the current system meant the de facto leader was only backed by a minority of members.

Opponents of the motion expressed concerns that it could lead to a move away from the committee system towards an executive leader model, potentially undermining the City's unique non-partisan approach. The Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee argued that the motion was not sufficiently thought through and could fundamentally change the authority of the office and its relations with other committees and the Lord Mayor. Others voiced concerns about the potential for campaigning and promises that could conflict with the committee structure, and the risk of damaging the City's governance model.

An amendment proposed by Charles Edward Lord, which sought to establish a working party to consider the title, role, and method of election of the Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee, was also debated and subsequently lost.

Questions on the City's Position as a Premier Financial Services Destination

David Sales asked a question regarding the City's position as a premier destination for financial and professional services, noting significant long-term investments being made in Canary Wharf. The Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee responded by acknowledging the success of Canary Wharf as a destination but highlighted that the City of London was also experiencing growth, citing examples of companies expanding into the Square Mile. He emphasised the importance of the City Plan 2040 being approved without amendment to support future growth and meet demand for office space. The Chairman also stressed the critical role of the City of London Police in maintaining the City's reputation as the safest financial centre in the world.

In a supplementary question, Mr. Sales inquired about the confidence in the City Plan 2040 meeting demand for office space, given projected job growth. The Chairman confirmed that the City Plan provided the framework to meet the target of at least 1.2 million square metres of net additional office floor space by 2040, with over 500,000 square metres currently under construction.

Jason Groves raised the issue of attracting new investors to the insurance sector and the advent of UK captive insurance legislation, suggesting these presented opportunities for expansion in the City. He also emphasised the importance of remaining the safest financial centre and the role of the City of London Police in this regard.

Deputy Paul Nicholas Martinelli asked about mirroring Canary Wharf's successful five-day-a-week-at-the-office policy. The Chairman noted that hybrid working had changed expectations, but the Corporate Services Committee had agreed to maintain a three-day-a-week minimum status quo for the time being, while continuing to monitor trends.

Deputy Marianne Bernadette Fredericks suggested a continued partnership approach with Canary Wharf, stating that if London thrives, all parts of it thrive. The Chairman agreed, emphasising the need to provide as much capacity as possible in London and highlighting the City's efforts in retrofitting existing buildings.

Annual Report of the City of London Police Authority Board

The Court received the Annual Report of the City of London Police Authority Board for 2025-26. The report highlighted a significant reduction in crime within the City, with overall crime falling by 4.9%, theft by 9.4%, and violence by 5.7%. The report also detailed the City Police's leading role in the UK's response to fraud, economic crime, and cyber crime, including the successful launch of the Report Fraud service. The report noted strong independent inspection results, with the force graded Outstanding for crime recording and Good for response and investigation.

During the discussion of the report, Steve Goodman OBE raised concerns about cyclist behaviour, including running red lights and cycling on pavements, and questioned whether a new strategy was needed. Leyla Boulton inquired about the implementation of a video warning for cyclists caught running red lights. Deputy Marianne Bernadette Fredericks sought assurances regarding the retention of mental health nurses embedded within the police force, particularly in light of potential budget cuts, highlighting their crucial role in suicide prevention and supporting officers' wellbeing. The Chairman of the Police Authority Board responded, promising to investigate the video warning for cyclists and to report back on the funding for mental health nurses. He also detailed the City Police's dedicated cycle team and their efforts in issuing fines and seizing illegal e-bikes, stating that the City Police significantly outperformed other forces in this area.

Other Matters

The Court also agreed to appoint members to various committees and outside bodies, and considered a list of applicants for the Freedom of the City. A motion to exclude the public was carried to allow for the consideration of sensitive matters.