The Port Health & Environmental Services Committee met on Tuesday 7 January 2025 to discuss and approve the revenue and capital budgets for 2025-26, the Environment Department's high-level business plan for 2025-30, and various fees and charges for services including those related to massage and special treatments, street trading, and cemetery and crematorium services. The committee also reviewed the results of the 52nd City of London Thames Fishery Research Experiment and considered options for the 53rd experiment, alongside updates on 'Martyn's Law' and the London Port Health Authority Order 2024.

Revenue and Capital Budgets 2025-26

The committee reviewed and approved the proposed revenue and capital budgets for the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee for 2025/26. The proposed revenue budget for 2025/26 totals £20.638 million, representing an increase of £4.055 million compared to the 2024/25 original budget. This increase is primarily attributed to the allocation of £3.388 million for Cyclical Works Programme budgets relating to the committee's properties and an increase of £0.460 million in recharges. The budget has been prepared within the allocated resource envelope, including a 2% inflation increase, and incorporates £0.998 million in savings. Members agreed to delegate authority to the Chamberlain, in consultation with the Executive Director Environment, for amendments arising from changes to recharges, energy prices, or approved savings proposals.

Environment Department High-Level Business Plan 2025-30

The committee received and approved the high-level Business Plan for the Environment Department for 2025-30, focusing on elements within its remit. The plan aligns with the Corporate Plan 2024-29 and outlines priority workstreams and actions for the next five years. Key themes include delivering excellent local authority services, promoting climate and environmental resilience, supporting businesses, and fostering a healthy and inclusive environment. The plan also details operational capabilities, interdepartmental collaboration, and financial and people resources. The committee requested that the plan be reworded to better emphasise links between committees and the benefits to residents.

Massage and Special Treatment (MST) Fees for 2025-26

The committee approved the annual fees for premises requiring licences for Massage and Special Treatments (MSTs), as well as for acupuncture, tattooing, cosmetic piercing, and electrolysis registrations. These fees are set on a full cost recovery basis, as dictated by case law, and are calculated based on officer time, administrative costs, and overheads. The proposed fees are expected to generate an estimated income of £49,000 in 2025/26. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director Environment to approve future annual fees, subject to statutory limits.

Street Trading Fees for 2025-26

Annual fees for street trading licences in Middlesex Street and temporary licences elsewhere in the Square Mile were approved. The fees are calculated on a full cost recovery basis, considering officer time, administrative costs, and cleaning expenses for Middlesex Street. For temporary licences, fees are determined by the number of officers' hours required to manage the application process. The proposed fees are expected to generate an estimated income of £65,000 for 2025/26. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director Environment for future fee approvals.

Cemetery and Crematorium Fees and Charges 2025-2026

The committee approved the proposed fees and charges for services at the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium for 2025/26, effective from 1 April 2025. Most services will see a 4% price increase, with new Memorial Garden leases increasing by 8%, to offset rising costs and move towards a break-even position. The proposed fees aim to remain competitive while offering a range of affordable options. The report highlighted that the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium is a business operating in a competitive market.

Cemetery and Crematorium Administration System

The committee agreed to delegate authority to the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, to approve the awarding of a contract for a new administration system for the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium. This decision followed a procurement process where all bidders, including the preferred bidder GSS (NI) Ltd (PlotBox), failed the standard financial appraisal. The delegation is subject to the committee's satisfaction with the explanation for the financial appraisal failure, which was to be discussed in a non-public session. The new system is expected to reduce paper and postage costs and streamline operations.

52nd City of London Thames Fishery Research Experiment

The committee received the results of the 52nd City of London Thames Fishery Research Experiment and approved the continuation of the 53rd Experiment in 2025 in its existing format. A grant of £4,800 from the City's Estate will partially fund the 2025 experiment. Delegated authority was given to the Town Clerk, in conjunction with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, to determine the details of a proposed research project in collaboration with suitable academic institutions. This project aims to enhance the scientific basis of the experiment by analysing fish contamination and climate change impacts.

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill - 'Martyn's Law'

The committee noted a report outlining the provisions of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as 'Martyn's Law'. The Bill aims to strengthen the security of public events and venues by requiring those responsible to take steps to reduce the risk of harm from terrorist attacks. The City of London Corporation will be in scope as both a venue operator and a licensing authority, though it is noted that the Corporation would already be compliant with many of the obligations. The report highlighted potential implications for the City, including the need for developing public protection plans and the role of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) as the regulator.

London Port Health Authority Order 2024

The committee received a report confirming that the new London Port Health Authority Order 2024 is now in force. This legislation, made on 6 November 2024 and effective from 7 November 2024, revokes previous orders and clearly defines the jurisdiction and functions of the London Port Health Authority. The Order precisely outlines the geographical areas under the authority's jurisdiction and assigns a range of public health, environmental, and safety functions. A GIS mapping layer has been developed to further clarify the operational area.

Outstanding Actions

The committee noted that the outstanding actions list had been largely resolved or moved into business as usual, and agreed to remove them from the list.

Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Committee

There were no public questions raised during this part of the meeting.

Any Other Business That the Chairman Considers Urgent

There were no public items of urgent business raised.