Housing Governance
The City Corporation’s composition is different to other local authorities in that most of its elected councillors are not elected on a party-political basis and are therefore independent. Because the City has a relatively small number of residents, compared to City workers, it also has two categories of voters: resident and business and the provision of services extend far beyond those that are delivered by standard local authorities. Elections occur on a four-year cycle.
Our decision-making arrangements operate on a committee-based system whereby elected Members are appointed annually to serve on our many committees and sub committees. These committees, the principal governing body being the Court of Common Council, meet regularly throughout the year.
The work of the City Corporation is overseen by the Court of Common Council (comprising of Common Councillors and Aldermen) and certain key decisions are taken by that body. The majority of the City Corporation’s work is, however, carried out through various committees which are established by the Court.
There are two main committees that govern City Corporation Housing:
- The Community & Children's Services Committee (C&CS): Typically meets six times a year.
- The Housing Management and Almshouses Sub Committee (HMASC): Typically meets five times a year.
In addition to the committees above, City Corporation Housing Heads of Service will also submit and present papers to additional committees for information and decision-making, listed below.
The Major Works team will also submit and present papers to:
- Audit and Risk Management Committee
- Health and Wellbeing Board
The Special Projects and New Developments team will also submit and present papers to:
- Projects and Procurement Sub Committee
- Finance Committee
- Policy and Resources Committee
- Planning and Transportation Committee
The Health and Fire Safety team will also submit and present papers to:
- The Health and Wellbeing Board
Allocated Members Scheme
There are Members allocated to each of the local authority areas in which the City Corporation's homes are located:
- Southwark: Charles Edward Lord
- Islington: Deputy Anne Corbett
- Lewisham: Sandra Jenner
- Lambeth: Sarah Helen Gillinson
- Hackney and Golden Lane Estate: Deputy Ceri Wilkins
- Tower Hamlets and Middlesex Street Estate: Deputy John Fletcher
Allocated Members are responsible for taking a focused interest in their estates, 'championing' residents and staff of their estates, and developing their own housing knowledge and experience to contribute to the C&CS Committee and HMASC.
Resident involvement in governance
Residents can influence our decision-making and voice their feedback on our services through various resident involvement activities across our estates. For more information, visit the Resident Involvement page or the City Corporation Housing Commonplace.