The role of Common Council

Catherine McGuinness

Castle Baynard Ward

The Court of Common Council

• 25 Aldermen

• 100 Common Councilmen

• Appointed by election

• But traditionally non-party

political

Role

• Governance responsibility for the

City of London Corporation’s

services

• Setting policy and strategy, and

allocating resources

• And supporting the Lord Mayor in

the City’s wider role

City Lands

Policy & Resources Finance Establishment

Standards

Corporate

Court of Common Council

Court of Aldermen

Lord Mayor

Service

Planning & Transportation Community & Children’s

Services

Port Health & Environmental

Services Open Spaces

Epping Forest & Commons

Hampstead Heath, Keats House, Queens Park & Highgate Wood

Management West Ham Park

Bridge House Trust

Markets

Libraries, Guildhall Art Gallery & Archives Education

Licensing

Institutional

Barbican Centre

City of London School for Girls

City of London School

City of London Freemens School

Guildhall School of Music & Drama

Law & Order

Police

Committees• Some 30 committees

• Made up of Common Councilmen and usually an Alderman

• Cover full spectrum of the City Corporation’s activities

• Work in collaboration with City Corporation officers, who implement decisions

Appointment to Committees

• By Ward • E.g. City Lands, Finance,

Planning, Port Health, Community & Children’s Services, Markets, The Irish Society

• By election• E.g. Policy & Resources,

Establishment, schools and cultural institutions, open spaces

• Or by office

Outside Bodies

• Members also serve on some 100 other “outside bodies”

• And London Councils and other committees

Varied role

• Local councillor

• Non-executive director of complex organisation responsible for public services and funds

• Ambassador

Recent events…

Unexpected visitors…

More openings…

Connections…

The role of Common Council

Catherine McGuinness

Castle Baynard Ward