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 Public Health Department had its origins in the Court of Commissioners of Sewers, set up in 1667. Public health responsibilites were carried out by a Committee of the Commissioners of Sewers from 2 Oct 1866 until 1897, and subsequently by a Committee of the Public Health Department 1898-1947. This Committee was known as the Sanitary Committee until 1933, and the Public Health Committee from 1934 to 1956. In 1948 the Committee ceased operating under the Public Health Department and came under the Court of Common Council. In 1957 the duties of the Committee were taken over by the Health Committee and the Housing Committee.