The Policy and Resources Committee met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss a range of important strategic and operational matters. Key topics scheduled for consideration included the framework for Business Improvement Districts, the final draft of the Cultural Strategy 2026, and proposed reforms to planning committees. The committee was also set to review the City's estate affordability, fundraising principles, and consider bids for CIL capital funding.

Business Improvement Districts Framework

The committee was scheduled to consider an updated framework for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) within the Square Mile. This refresh of the 2019 BID Strategy Framework aimed to reflect the significant evolution of the BID environment, with most areas of the City now falling within a BID footprint. The report recommended agreeing the updated strategy framework and authorising the Town Clerk to sign Memoranda of Understanding, Operating Agreements, and Baseline Agreements. The updated framework proposed that BID companies would undertake the role of BID Body, with the City Corporation retaining its role as BID Proposer and ensuring collaboration in subsequent BID ballots and renewals. This approach was intended to enable more influence and enhanced opportunities for deeper collaboration with the BIDs.

Cultural Strategy 2026 – Final Draft

A report was presented for decision on the final draft of the Cultural Strategy 2026. This strategy aimed to bring together the City of London Corporation, cultural institutions, and partners across the Square Mile, setting the foundation for a collaborative delivery model. The strategy, along with a Delivery Toolkit and Audience Playbook, was intended to be published upon approval. The report highlighted that the City Corporation already invests around £145 million into culture and that the strategy's focus was on leveraging existing cultural assets more effectively. The strategy was developed through extensive research, consultation, and co-creation, involving over 1,300 people. It was designed to align with the City Corporation's wider strategic framework for place, growth, and experience, supporting existing priorities in the Local Plan, Corporate Plan, and Destination City programme.

Reform of Planning Committees – Outcomes and Proposed Implementation

The committee was scheduled to consider proposals for the reform of planning committees, a requirement stemming from government reforms enabled by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and associated regulations. These reforms necessitate amendments to local planning authorities' governance arrangements by 31 October 2026, including a national scheme of delegation, a restriction on planning decision-making committees to a maximum of 13 members, and new arrangements for the referral and determination of planning applications. Officers had reviewed several options for the future composition of the Planning Applications Sub-Committee, concluding that a single, dedicated sub-committee of 13 members, comprising the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee alongside eleven elected members, offered the greatest consistency and administrative efficiency. The report also proposed consequential amendments to the Officer Scheme of Delegations and the Planning and Transportation Committee Terms of Reference.

Signing Up to the Local Government Declaration and Smokefree Pledge on Tobacco Control

The committee was asked to authorise the signing of the Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control and the Smokefree Pledge. This commitment, already endorsed by the City of London Corporation's Health and Wellbeing Board, aligns with the government's Smokefree 2030 ambition. Tobacco smoking remains a significant cause of preventable illness and health inequalities. The adoption of the Declaration and Pledge was intended to mandate enhanced collaboration between partners through the City and Hackney Tobacco Control Alliance, publicly commit to protecting communities from tobacco-related harm, and strengthen the Corporation's leadership role in encouraging other local partners towards a smokefree 2030.

CIL Capital Bids – Quarter 2 2026/2027

A request for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding towards accessibility improvements on Black Friars Lane was presented for decision. The bid, recommended for approval by the Priorities Board, sought £550,000 of CIL to fund works to raise the carriageway, creating a more accessible route for pedestrians and those using wheeled mobility devices. The proposed works were considered essential to enabling planned and future development in the area and aligned with the Fleet Street Healthy Streets Plan and the City Corporation's Transport Strategy. The bid was recommended for funding from CIL due to its integral relationship with other CIL-funded projects and the projected healthier surplus in the CIL fund compared to the On Street Parking Reserve.

Mayoral Priorities 2026-27

The committee was scheduled to note the proposed programme to be championed by the Lord Mayor of London for 2026-27, Alderman Tim Hailes, subject to his election. This programme, titled Connecting Capital to Opportunity, represents a continuation of existing Mansion House activity and aligns with the Corporation's competitiveness strategy. It will focus on three strategic workstreams: Fragmented Finance, English Commercial Law Advantage, and Power of Talent, reflecting the current global context and Alderman Hailes' expertise. A Joint Civic Plan with the Sheriffs was also presented to support alignment across civic, business, international, and social-impact engagement.

Climate Action Strategy Annual Performance Report

A report was presented for information on the annual progress update for Year 5 of the Climate Action Strategy (CAS) and an update on Year 6. The CAS, approved in October 2020, sets out a programme to support net zero emissions, build climate resilience, and champion sustainable growth. The report indicated that the CAS was on track against all four of its targets, including the Corporation's 2027 target for net zero in its own operations. In 2025/26, the Corporation exceeded its interim operational target, achieving an 84% net reduction against the 2018/19 baseline, and also exceeded the interim target for its full value chain, achieving a 37% reduction. Latest available data showed Square Mile emissions were 29% lower than in 2017. The report highlighted that CAS investments were reducing emissions, avoiding energy costs, improving building performance, and strengthening the City's credibility as a global centre for sustainable finance.

Update on Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) within the Square Mile

The committee was to receive an update on the City's Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), which were described as key delivery partners investing significantly across the Square Mile. The report noted substantial progress in strengthening the City Corporation's relationship with the BIDs since the BID Review in October 2024. This included the development of a clearer governance framework, improved joint working, closer alignment of BID activity with Corporate Plan priorities, and stronger relationships between Members, officers, and BID leadership. The successful City River Partnership ballot, creating the sixth BID in the Square Mile, was also highlighted, extending BID coverage across most of the City.

Decisions Taken Under Delegated Authority or Urgency Powers

The committee was to receive a report detailing decisions taken under urgency powers between committee meetings. This included a report on a Bill for an Act of Common Council concerning the power to remove the Freedom of the City of London, specifically in relation to Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. Officers had proposed a new procedure for the Court of Common Council to exercise this power, which had been settled by the Recorder of London and was presented for progression to the Court.

City's Estate Long Term Affordability, Asset Drawdown and Savings

A report was scheduled for decision concerning the long-term affordability, asset drawdown, and savings related to the City's estate.

Overarching Corporate Fundraising and Income Generation Principles

The committee was to consider overarching principles for corporate fundraising and income generation.

Former Barking Power Station and Plot 64: Update on Phase 1 and Approval to Proceed with Phase 2

A report was scheduled for decision providing an update on Phase 1 of the Former Barking Power Station and Plot 64, and seeking approval to proceed with Phase 2.

Charging Review 2026

The committee was to consider the outcomes of a charging review for 2026.

Professional and Business Services Council Jobs Plan

A report was scheduled for decision regarding a jobs plan for the professional and business services sector.

Policy Initiative Fund Bids

The committee was to consider bids for the Policy Initiative Fund, specifically:

• Sustainable City Awards: A report was scheduled for decision regarding a bid for Sustainable City Awards.
• PIF Bid - Abolition: A report was scheduled for decision regarding a bid related to Abolition for the Policy Initiative Fund.

Resolution from the Pensions Committee

The committee was to consider a resolution from the Pensions Committee meeting held on 6 July 2027.

Risk Appetite Updates

Updates were scheduled on risk appetite levels for:

• CR01 – Resilience and CR36 - Protective Security: A report was to be presented on risk appetite levels for resilience and protective security.
• CR43 – Organisational Effectiveness: A report was to be presented on risk appetite levels for organisational effectiveness.

Non-Public Decisions Taken Under Delegated Authority or Urgency Powers

A report detailing non-public decisions taken under delegated authority or urgency powers was scheduled for information.

Non-Public Appendices to Agenda Item 5

Non-public appendices relating to Agenda Item 5 were to be provided for information.

Policy & Resources Committee July 2026 Away Day Summary and Actions

A summary of actions and discussions from the Policy & Resources Committee July 2026 Away Day was scheduled for decision.

Maximising Internal Engagement

A report was scheduled for decision on strategies for maximising internal engagement.

SME Strategy Annual Report and Decision for Pivot to High Growth

The committee was to consider the SME Strategy Annual Report and a decision regarding a pivot to high growth.

Member-Led Recruitment - Headteacher of the City of London School

A report concerning member-led recruitment for the Headteacher of the City of London School was scheduled for information.

Member-Led Recruitment - Natural Environment Director

A report concerning member-led recruitment for the Natural Environment Director was scheduled for information.