Court of Common Council returns to Guildhall as Square Mile recovery gathers pace

For the first time in over a year, the City of London Corporation’s main decision-making body – the Court of Common Council – will convene in person on Thursday 22 July. 

As the Government’s roadmap to ease lockdown restrictions in England reaches its fourth step, elected Members of the Court of Common Council will come together to discuss a number of key issues. This will include the City Corporation’s plans for supporting business as they emerge from the coronavirus pandemic and drive forward the Square Mile’s recovery. 

Thursday’s meeting will be the first held in person since virtual sessions were introduced on 21 May 2020. 

In order to support firms as they reopen and resume trading, the City of London Corporation has taken a string of measures to help, including a Covid Business Recovery Fund of up to £50 million aimed at qualifying SMEs, which has been extended until 30 July. 

To mark the easing of the restrictions across the Square Mile, the Lord Mayor of London, William Russell and Policy Chair of the City of London Corporation, Catherine McGuinness will be showing their support for local businesses. This will include visits to City institutions such as the Ned, Sweetings Restaurant and Billingsgate Roman Bathhouse. 

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Churches across the Square Mile are also preparing to mark this pivotal moment with a celebratory ‘ringing of the bells’ on July 31. 

Lord Mayor of the City of London, William Russell, said: “This signals a new dawn and is a big step towards restoring the Square Mile to a vibrant and thriving ecosystem. 

“But we can’t rest on our laurels. Our key focus now will be to put our heads together to find innovative ways to build back better and support businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as they recover from months of lost trade. 

“London has shown many times before, in times of adversity, we are nothing if not resilient. The Square Mile will bounce back and reinvent itself once again.” 

Policy Chair of the City of London Corporation, Catherine McGuinness, said: “The easing of lockdown restrictions is an eagerly-awaited moment for the many City businesses desperate to return to work and bounce back from months of lost trading. 

“We are committed to encouraging the safe return of both workers and visitors to Square Mile. 

“Of course we need to be cautious, but I look forward to seeing many more people on our streets in the coming weeks as the buzz and energy that defines that Square Mile returns.”