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 Officers and Clerks Committee was first appointed on the 14 Feb 1815 to enquire into the nature and duties of the office of Clerk of the Works. It was re-appointmed for the same purpose in March 1823, and then again re-appointed in October 1823 to enquire into the duties, appointments and salaries of every officer or clerk. It was again appointed in February 1829. In 1840 it was made a standing committee of the Court of Common Council, continuing the work of these earlier committees. The standing Committee was responsible for all questions relating to the duties, appointments, salaries and rewards of all Corporation staff, apart from manual workers. It was replaced in 1969 by the Establishment Committee.