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.

Part of the role of the Lord Mayor is to promote the City of London as a leading international financial centre, both at home and abroad. During his year in office, the Lord Mayor travels extensively around the world to promote the Square Mile and the UK based financial community, and encourages the development of London as a leading centre for international business. Each visit typically involves speaking at seminars and meeting government ministers and other authorities, usually accompanied by a senior business delegation. The Lord Mayor also makes visits in the UK to promote the contribution the City can make in partnership with the rest of the country. The Mayoralty Visits committee recommended, at a meeting held on 2nd October 1989, to establish a new committee called the Mayoralty Visits and Advisory committee which would take responsibility for areas undertaken by the Mayoralty Visits and the Mayoralty Advisory Committees.