Corporation of London

The concept of the Court of Common Council grew from the ancient custom of the Folkmoot, when the assent of the citizens to important acts was obtained. This custom was continued by the Mayor who consulted the Commons several times during the 13th century. From 1376 the assembly began to meet regularly and was referred to as the Common Council. It was decided that the Council should be made up of persons elected from each Ward. By 1384 a permanent Common Council chosen by the citizens was established for all time. The Council assumed legislative functions and adopted financial powers, confirmed by Charters of 1377 and 1383. The Council has often used these powers to amend the civic constitution, regulate the election of Lord Mayor and other officials, and amend the functions of the City courts. The Council was judged so successful in the conduct of its duties that it was the only Corporation unreformed by Parliament following the Municipal Corporations Commission report of 1837, while the Corporation Inquiry Commission of 1854 suggested only minor reforms. The work of the Council is conducted by a number of committees, while the whole Council has the right to approve policy, confirm major decisions and sanction expenditure. The committees handle many aspects of the running of the City including land and estates, finance and valuation, open spaces, street improvement and town planning, public health, police, Port of London, civil defence, airports, libraries, markets, education, and law. The Town Clerk has held responsibility for recording the minutes of the Council and its committees since 1274.

The Central Criminal Court (Extension) Committee was an ad hoc Committee first appointed by order of the Court of Common Council of 24 September 1964. It comprised 3 Aldermen nominated by the Court of Aldermen, 6 Common Councilmen nominated by the Court of Common Council and 6 by the City Lands Committee, and the Chairmen of the City Lands Committee and of the Rates Finance Committee. It was formed to deal with the extension of the Central Criminal Court, and immediately the building was completed, the maintenance and management of the building were to revert to the City Lands Committee.

Its work completed, the Committee was disbanded by Order of the Court of Common Council of 23 November 1978. Outstanding references were transferred to the City Lands and Bridge House Estates Committee. In place of this Committee and the Special (Guildhall Reconstruction) Committee (which was disbanded at the same time), the Works Advisory Committee was appointed with effect from January 1979.