For further

information Sustainable Development Unit

City of London Corporation

PO Box 270

Guildhall

London

EC2P 2EJ

E sustainability@cityoflondon.gov.uk

W: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/sustainability

Supporting London‟s Communities

and Sustaining its Environment

THE

BIGGER PICTURE

2

For further

information contact-

The Sustainable Development Unit

City of London Corporation

PO Box 270

Guildhall

London

EC2P 2EJ sustainability@cityoflondon.gov.uk www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/sustainability

Published December 2012

3

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Foreword 4

Introduction

- What is sustainability and why is it important to London? 5

1. Protecting the environment

1.1 Providing green spaces and enhancing biodiversity 7

- The City‟s open spaces

- Biodiversity in the Square Mile

- Green roofs and walls

- Thames fishing experiment

1.2 Promoting sustainable travel options 11

- Electric cars

- Walking

- Cycling

1.3 Pollution, waste and climate change 13

- Air quality

- Waste and recycling

- Energy use

- Climate change

- Carbon emissions

- Water consumption

- Working with businesses

2. Supporting Society

2.1 Working in Partnership to reduce disadvantage 19

2.2 Education and Training 22

2.2 Supporting the Third Sector 24

- Building capacity

- Raising funds

- Greening the Third Sector

2.3 Housing and homelessness 29

- Affordable housing strategy

- Supporting people programme

2.4 A Safer City 32

- Drugs and alcohol

- Safer City Partnership

- Safety thirst

- Taxi marshalling

3. A Sustainable Economy 35

- Encouraging responsible finance

- Responsible procurement

Appendix 1 The City of London‟s Sustainability Policy 37

Appendix 2 Who lives, works and does business in the Square Mile? 41

4

Foreword

This report is a follow up to the City of London‟s Sustainability Review, which was

published in 2010. That report analysed the efforts of the City of London Corporation

to improve its internal environmental performance. The “Bigger Picture” takes a

different approach, by reviewing our social, environmental and economic

sustainability.

The City of London is sometimes accused of being an island of wealth and privilege

oblivious to the communities which surround it. However, nothing could be further

from the truth. Purely from a pragmatic perspective, the City is embedded in and

reliant on the communities which surround it. Such communities supply the

resources, services, talent, energy and „sense of place‟ that make the City a unique

place to visit, live, work, play and do business.

For over 800 years, the City of London Corporation has provided local government

services for the financial and commercial heart of Britain, the 'Square Mile'. It is

committed to supporting and promoting 'The City' as a world leader in international

finance and business services through the policies it pursues and the high standard

of services it provides.

In pursuing this goal, its responsibilities extend far beyond the City boundaries to

encompass a host of facilities for the benefit of the nation. These range from open

spaces such as Epping Forest and Hampstead Heath to the famous Barbican Arts

Centre.

In focussing on these high level duties, it is essential not to lose sight of the intimate

way in which the City of London‟s activities touch the lives of thousands of

businesses, charities and individuals across London. This report attempts to capture

some of this, and show how we are working with communities to enhance

economic growth, reduce crime and improve quality of life. The picture it presents is

a mere snapshot, due to our size and complexity; however, I hope that you will gain

an insight into how the City of London Corporation works in partnership for the

benefit of Londoners.

Alderman Alison Gowman

Chairman

Energy and sustainability sub- committee

City of London Corporation

5

Introduction

What is sustainability and why is it important to London? In a handful of generations, London grew from a medieval walled town, to become

the world‟s first mega-city. Today mega cities abound, and for the first time in history,

more people live in cities than live in rural communities.

Cities offer opportunity, they are hothouses for innovation, economic activity and

creativity. However, with urbanisation come unique problems. How you feed, house,

entertain, educate, employ and transport urban populations requires careful

planning. Crime, pollution, congestion, unemployment, ill health and mountains of

waste can result if you get it wrong.

Size is no guarantee of success. There are dozens of Chinese and Indian cities

comparable in size to London, so if London is to continue to be a “world city”, which

attracts and retains the brightest and best, it is essential that it continues to offer the

opportunity for economic engagement, a high quality of life and good quality

environment, not just today, but going forward into the future.

.

6

This is the essence of sustainbility- delivering high quality of life in the present, whilst

ensuring future generations of Londoners will have the same, if not better

opportunities.

Traditionally “sustainability” is viewed in terms of three interlinked themes, the

environment, society and the economy. Each is interdependent on the others,

without society their can be no economy, and without the environment, neither

would thrive.

This report is structured in the same way, the first section deals with the City‟s

contribution to protecting and enhancing London‟s environment, the second how

we support London‟s society and communities and the final section at how the City

is helping to rebuild the economy.

Each section contains hyperlinks that will take you to areas of our website that deal

with projects and programmes associated with these themes.

7

1 Protecting the Environment

The City of London has a long history of placing a high value on the environment.

Maintaining a high quality environment for the City is critical for its continued status

as a world class financial centre. To this end we work extensively with all our

stakeholders to help make the Square Mile a sustainable place to live work and do

business.

1.1 Providing green spaces and enhancing biodiversity

The City owns and manages over 4,411 hectares (around 10,000 acres,

approximately a third) of London‟s open spaces. These were saved by the City of

London Corporation back in the 19th Century in order to provide green lungs for

London and are managed by the City Corporation at no cost to the public. In

addition to providing recreational opportunities to millions of visitors a year, our

open spaces provide an important refuge for wildlife. 14 areas received Green Flag

Awards and seven areas were also accorded national importance as Green

Heritage Sites.

The City’s Open Spaces

The Open Spaces run by the City of London Corporation have a strong tradition of

community engagement and run local volunteering groups who are actively

8

involved in protecting and enhancing our open spaces. Each year, well in excess of

10,000 volunteer hours have been spent on a variety of tasks, ranging from litter

picking to conservation work. In addition to fostering community relations by

involving local residents in these projects, large employers such as the Home Office,

Lexis Nexus and Mondial Assistance have been able to involve their staff.

Info+

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and_plan

ning/Parks_and_open_spaces/

Picnickers at Hampstead Heath

Did you know…

In 2010/11 our Open Spaces received 14 prestigious Green Flag

Awards, with seven sites achieving Green Heritage status.

Our City Gardens received London in Bloom awards including Champion

of Champions, and achieved gold and overall winner in Britain in Bloom.

Info+ http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/2B992B22-5103-4657-

94B3-FD0C35BF4FEA/0/OpenSpacesAnnualReportFINAL220611.pdf

9

Biodiversity in the Square Mile

Open spaces are especially important in urban environments which is why The City

of London Corporation manages over 200 gardens and parks, 32.19 hectares, or just

over a tenth of the total area of the Square Mile. These open spaces provide an

important resource for our workers, residents and wildlife.

To celebrate the City‟s biodiversity we have produced a new wildlife walks leaflet

which details walking routes around the City, taking in the gardens and parks which

are particularly good for biodiversity.

Info+ http://217.154.230.218/NR/rdonlyres/715B523F-875D-41DA-A883-

3D6B3253FDFC/0/OS_BioDiversityWeb.pdf

Green roofs and walls

Over the last 10 years, green roofs have become a common feature of new

developments in the City of London. Initially this growth was driven through planning

policy, as we sought to reduce the burden on our sewer network and reduce the

“urban heat island” effect and air pollution levels. However, in the last couple of

years, developers have discovered the commercial benefits of green roofs including

lower maintenance costs and enhanced “letability” of commercial developments.

The City is now leading the UK in the drive towards green roofs; we have a greater

concentration of green roofs than any other part of the country. Recent

collaboration with Transport for London has also seen a number of green walls being

10

developed in the City. It is hoped that over the next decade these green

infrastructure features will become increasingly common.

Info+ http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/7CF707A5-0E1D-45C0-9F2F-

EC11A12EAD32/0/DP_PL_CombinedDocument28Nov11.pdf

Thames fishing experiment

The City has many roles outside of the Square Mile and one of them is acting as Port

of London Health Authority. This means that the City is responsible for a district which

extends for 150 kilometres (94 miles) along the tidal Thames from Teddington to the

outer Estuary and includes the Ports of Tilbury, Thamesport, Sheerness and London

City Airport.

The Authority, the largest in the UK, has been in existence since 1872 and deals with

the importation of food and animals into the ports in this area. In addition to the

Heathrow Reception (quarantine) Centre, we deal with issues that have recently

included swine flu, Chinese mitten crabs and the banning of methyl bromide as a

fumigant. The Authority‟s role also includes checking houseboats and major liners

and other boats that ply their trade on the River.

In checking the health of the River, the Authority has run a fishing experiment (by

way of a competition) at Denton Wharf for the last 38 years. There are now over 120

species in the Thames thus demonstrating the health of the river.

Delivering Results- Enhancing Biodiversity

In 2011

All of the City‟s Sites of Importance for Local Nature Conservation have been surveyed

for invertebrate species.

25 new bird nesting boxes were installed in City gardens.

4 new log piles were constructed for invertebrates at West Smithfield and Postman‟s

Park with the help of school and community volunteers.

8 City Gardens received improved planting for biodiversity.

12 bird baths were installed to supply local wildlife with water during hot summers.

5 „insect hotels‟ were installed in City Gardens in partnership with businesses and

residents.

1 new pond was installed at the Fann Street Wildlife Garden.

2000 hours have been contributed by volunteers to the Fann Street Wildlife Garden

since it opened in 2004.

11

1.2 Promoting sustainable travel options

The majority of the 300,000 people who travel to work in the City every day, get here

by public transport. The City of London is extremely well-connected to the rest of

London, the UK and beyond, by an extensive public transport network. It is served

directly by seven Underground lines, 13 Tube stations and seven mainline stations;

the major rail termini at London Bridge and Waterloo are nearby. Frequent

commuter rail services operate throughout London and the wider South East region

providing access to the City from all points of the compass.

The City is also served by 38 high frequency bus routes and 24 night bus routes

providing access throughout central London and beyond. To complete this unique

level of accessibility, the City is served by the Docklands Light Railway, a small

number of commuter coach services, and river boat services.

The City of London Corporation works extensively with TFL to ensure that the needs of

London‟s commuters are met. Developers are also required to assess the impacts of

their proposals on public transport capacity and create green travel plans when

considering new developments

Info + http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/transport-and-

streets/Pages/default.aspx

Electric cars

In line with its work in reducing air pollution, the City of London Corporation has long

been a supporter of electric vehicles, with re-charging points being available in the

City‟s car parks since the late 1990‟s. As the popularity of electric vehicles has

increased, so has our recharging provision, there are now 57 charging points across

the City, more than enough to meet current demand.

Walking

With over 300,000 commuters coming to work in the City every day, walking is a

significant mode of transportation in the City.. The City of London seeks to reduce

car dependency and promote walking through its support of pedestrian schemes. In

addition, it helps pedestrians through the provision of widespread additional safety

measures and the Street Scene Initiative.

The City of London has invested heavily in a number of dedicated walking routes,

including the Riverside Walk and Jubilee Walk. Since handing the London Walking

Forum to TFL in 2002, it has supported Walk London in promoting walking in the

Capital.

Info+ http://www.walklondon.org.uk/

Cycling

It is estimated that over 10,000 people cycle to and from the City every day.

Currently, the City Corporation provides parking facilities for 2,250 cycles. The City

Corporation is currently considering the provision of an additional 300 public cycle

parking spaces in the Square Mile.

Info + www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/corporation/lgnl_services/

transport_and_streets/cycling/city+cycling+guide.htm

12

Skyride in the City

Did you know…

The City of London took part in the European Mobility Week and offered a

range of activities including City Cycle Style where the Lord Mayor, Boris

Johnson, Sir Paul Smith and other celebrity cyclists promoted cycling as a

stylish mode of transportation. The event culminated in an outdoor gallery of

photos on display outside the Royal Exchange

Delivering results- sustainable travel

10,000 people cycle to and from the City every day.

2,250 bike parking spaces are provided by the City Corporation.

10% fall in the total number of road accident casualties in the last couple of

years.

Operation Atrium saw 1,600 commercial vehicle drivers and bicycle riders

stopped and given road safety information and advice, including Fresnel lenses

(allowing the driver to see the nearside blind spot) and high visibility belt bags for

the cyclists.

13

1.3 Pollution, waste and climate change

Air quality

The City of London Corporation has been concerned with air quality in the City since

medieval times. However, in the early 1950s a succession of notorious smogs

prompted us to support legislation which led to the 1956 Clean Air Act.

Due to density of development and its geographical location, the City experiences

some of the worst air quality in the country. Unfortunately, being in the heart of

London means that we have very little control over our air quality, as much of the

pollution we suffer comes from through-traffic or from outside our borders.

Currently data on air quality is collected from 13 monitoring stations around the City

which monitor nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, ozone and micro- particulates. This

data is collected and analysed by the City of London Air Quality Unit in

collaboration with King‟s College London.

The City has been working with City businesses to develop a list of simple, effective

actions that can be taken by companies to help improve air quality in the Square

Mile. The CityAir Project asks businesses to take simple steps to reduce emissions of

pollutants associated with buildings and transport. This could be the transport choice

of employees, or emissions associated with deliveries or with heating and cooling

buildings.

A number of best practice guidance toolkits have been developed in partnership

with organisations, including the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers

(CIBSE) and the NHS. These toolkits cover building management, the retail and

service sector and procurement.

Info+

https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and_pla

nning/Pollution/cityair.htm

14

Waste and recycling

The City of London Corporation provides street cleaning and a household waste

collection service for its residents. Managing the City‟s residential waste is a

complex issue, and at first glance it appears that the City Corporation is lagging

behind other boroughs with respect to recycling; our recycling rate is around 37% as

compared with a national average of 41%. However these figures mask a wealth of

complexity: the majority of dwellings in the City are flats with little or no waste

storage capacity, necessitating daily collection. Furthermore, as one of the most

densely developed areas of the UK, we have no garden waste which accounts for a

significant fraction of the recycling figures for suburban or rural boroughs.

Over the last few years we have put in a great deal of time and effort in working

with our residents, to inform them on how to reduce their waste, and this, combined

with enhanced recycling programmes, has led to one of the highest “dry” recycling

rates in London.

Since October 2011, the City has met its zero waste to landfill pledge: all residual

waste collected from the City of London's residents and street cleaning operations is

processed in Cory Environmental‟s £350 m energy-from-waste incinerator at

Belvedere in Bexley. This is one of the most efficient facilities in Europe. Even the

bottom ash residues from the Belvedere plant are recycled, as they are sent to a

facility where metals are recovered and the remaining ash is made into road

building and construction aggregates.

As all waste to and from Belvedere is transported by river barge, over 12,000 lorry

movements per year are prevented, thus reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas

emissions.

Did you know…

The City provides a free air quality alert service, called airTEXT, which allows

subscribers to get information on levels of air pollution and health advice.

Info+ www.airtext.info

Did you know…

The Clean City Awards Scheme is a free initiative by the City of London

Corporation, designed to develop partnerships with City businesses of all sizes

to achieve a clean environment through responsible waste and energy

management. In 2011, the scheme involved over 1,500 businesses.

Info+ www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/cleancity

15

The Belvedere energy from waste facility

Climate change

In 2007 the City of London became the public body in the country to publish a

Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. This strategy has been instrumental in shaping

our long term vision of development in the City and has influenced both our Unitary

Development Plan and our work on flood preparedness. We continue to work with

our stakeholders in the City and beyond to ensure that the infrastructure and

services, which support the City of London, will be fit for purpose in a warming world.

Info+http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and

_planning/Sustainability/Climate_change/

Energy use

We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and energy use in our activities

and properties. In 2009 we adopted an emissions reduction goal in line with national

targets. As a result we aim to reduce our energy consumption by 15%, against a

2008 baseline, by 2015.

The City Corporation‟s dedicated building management and engineering team has

already helped to achieve substantial cuts in energy use across its operational

16

property portfolio, saving us thousands pounds per year. However significant

challenges remain, and considerable effort and investment are required for us to

achieve our goal.

19,500 MWh of heating and 4,800 MWh of cooling are supplied via the Citigen

Combined Heat & Power system (CHP). Established in 1993, the energy produced by

Citigen accounted for 13% of the of the corporate energy mix in 2010/11. The system

was set up in 1993 and is one of the largest CHP community energy schemes in the

UK. The estimated CO2 saving of this scheme amount to about 3,700 CO2 tonnes

per annum.

Info+

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and_plan

ning/Sustainability/Climate_change/Tackling_climate_change/awards.htm#acc

The Citigen CHP plant at Smithfield.

Carbon emissions

Whilst we have measured and published our carbon emissions since 1995, carbon

reporting only became mandatory across the UK under the Carbon Reduction

Commitment in 2010. In 2010/11 our submission under the requirements of the CRC

showed CO2 emission to be 52,220 tonnes.

The Environment Agency‟s Performance League Table for the CRC showed that the

City had:

achieved second position amongst London boroughs

performed in the top 17% of all organisations

finished in the top 30% of all local authorities.

17

In addition to reducing our own emissions, our Climate change mitigation strategy

seeks to reduce the emissions of all the City‟s businesses and residents. To deliver this

aim we have been working on our housing estates, with organisations such as the

Tidy Britain Group, to engage residents in activities designed to reduce their energy

use and save money. We also seek to engage businesses, by insisting on the highest

standards of energy efficiency in new buildings, and by promoting energy efficiency

through schemes such as the Clean City Awards programme.

Info+ http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and_plan

ning/Sustainability/Climate_change/What_businesses_can_do/managing_emissions.

htm

Water consumption

Water is often termed “the forgotten resource” however, with recent consecutive

dry winters, water efficiency is rapidly rising up the agenda. The City of London

Corporation monitors its water use through a network of volunteer Energy Wardens

and takes rapid action to deal with leaks. Efficient water use has been built into our

planning guidance for new developments in the City, Mediterranean planting

schemes are used in our City parks and gardens, which require little water to

maintain. In 2010/11 our water consumption was 369,450 cubic metres, a fall of over

22,000 cubic metres compared with the 2007-8 period.

Despite a rainy 2012, a hosepipe ban was imposed by Thames Water, due to the

drought conditions caused by two consecutive dry winters. If a third dry winter

occurs in 2012-13, the City will be entering a period of acute water stress.

Fortunately, due to the early adoption of our Climate Change Adaptation strategy,

The City of London Corporation is prepared and is working with all its stakeholders to

advise and assist them with water efficiency measures both in the short term, and

longer term through the development planning process.

Info+

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and_plan

ning/Sustainability/Climate_change/Tackling_climate_change/energy_and_water.h

tm#why

1.4 Encouraging businesses to behave responsibly

The City of London Corporation works extensively with business to encourage a

responsible attitude to the environment. This goes beyond our statutory duties to

include seminars, forums, awards schemes and direct support and guidance.

The Sustainable City Awards

The Sustainable City Awards are the City of London Corporation‟s flagship national

green business awards scheme. These Royal Society for the Arts accredited awards

are delivered in partnership with 22 supporting organisations, including livery

companies, the British Fashion Council and the Chartered Institute of Environmental

Health. Awards are made across 12 categories and in 2011 attracted over 300

applications from companies ranging from small family run fish and chip shops to

“blue chip” multinationals.

18

2012 Awards Winner Invisible Dust receiving their trophy from Raymond Blanc

19

SUPPORTING SOCIETY

2.1 Working in partnership to reduce disadvantage

The City is surrounded by some of the poorest neighbourhoods in the UK. This is why

the City of London Corporation is fully committed to a comprehensive programme

of regeneration projects, run in partnership with neighbouring boroughs. Currently,

this focusses on three key themes of activity:

training, skills and employment

raising aspirations and attainment

supporting enterprise and small businesses.

This is complemented by our corporate responsibility programme which is run in

partnership with City businesses.

Info+http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and

_planning/Regeneration/

Our current initiatives include –

The City Business Traineeship (CBT) programme works through local schools to raise

awareness of the career opportunities in the City and matches talented school and

college leavers with paid work placements in City firms. The scheme aims to foster

better links between businesses in the financial services sector and the untapped

talent pool in deprived communities neighbouring the City.

Info+ www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/cbt

Aspiration raising city tours introduce students from the City fringes to the working

environment of a typical City firm. Students have an opportunity to meet role

models, learn about the range of job opportunities available in City firms, and

recognise their own potential.

Info+ www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/raisingaspirations

Ready to Supply the City aims to open up supply chain and procurement

opportunities to small and medium sized enterprises from the City‟s neighbouring

boroughs. The project also promotes supplier diversity and local procurement to

City buyers.

Info+ www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/readytosupplythecity

The City Corporation has developed a Local Procurement Charter, calling on City

developers to source 10% of their goods and services, relating to a development,

from the City and its surrounding boroughs; where up to 10% of the local population

is unemployed. The Charter is supported by planning agreements.

Info+http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and

_planning/Planning/Supporting+the+neighbouring+boroughs.htm

20

In 2001, the City of London Corporation founded Heart of the City, a charity which

provides free support to businesses that want to start or develop a Corporate Social

Responsibility programme. By signing up, over 400 companies have made a positive

impact on their community and environment.

Info+ www.theheartofthecity.com

In 1987, the City of London Corporation launched the Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards,

which recognise Corporate Community Involvement in Greater London. Since then,

over 1500 businesses have applied for an award.

Info+ http://www.dragonawards.org.uk

One of the key elements of the Government’s Big Society idea is Social Action,

encouraging organisations and individuals to become more engaged in their

communities. The City Corporation plays a proactive role in this area and has been

driving this agenda forward for many years.

Info+http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and

_planning/Regeneration/Corporate_responsibility/supporting_society.htm

Did you know…

That the City Business Library is the leading public library in the UK for free and

current business information. It specialises in providing support to job seekers,

sole traders, new start-ups, entrepreneurs and SMEs.

Info+

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Leisure_and_cult

ure/Libraries/City_of_London_libraries/cbl.htm

Delivering Results in 2011/12 – Working in partnership

2,994 young people from City fringe boroughs were introduced to City-type jobs.

3,907 City/City fringe residents were engaged in learning opportunities.

107 students from the City fringes were provided with a City Business Traineeship

work placement.

1,200 students from the neighbouring boroughs took part in City tours.

176 City/City fringe residents were offered jobs.

1,053 small and medium sized businesses received business development support

(since 2012) and £15m worth of contracts have been won as a result.

80 Lord Mayor Dragon Award applicants contributed over 12,000 days of

employee volunteering and created over 5,000 new jobs, careers sessions,

apprenticeships and internships in the Capital.

335 small and medium sized businesses across the City fringes received free

workshops and one-to-one business advice on supplying City Firms.

21

The City Business Library offers free advice and information for SMEs

22

2.2 Education and early years

The City‟s most valuable resource is its high quality workforce, and to ensure that this

can be sustained the City of London has a strong tradition of promoting the very

highest standards in education, through the support it provides to education and

early years establishments both within the City and in neighbouring communities.

The City Corporation has one maintained primary school and is sponsor of three

academies in the neighbouring boroughs of Southwark, Hackney and Islington. It

also runs three independent schools and contributes financially to successful bursary

programmes aimed at widening access to pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Sir John Cass's Foundation Primary School, located in the heart of the City, serves

a diverse community and its catchment area includes Tower Hamlets. At its most

recent inspection it was judged by Ofsted to be an „Outstanding‟ school. The school

also hosts a Child and Family Sure Start Centre providing early education and

integrated childcare, as well as Health and family support services.

Info+ http://www.sirjohncassprimary.org/

The City Academy, Hackney

The City Academy, Hackney, which opened in September 2009 is sponsored jointly

by the City of London Corporation and KPMG. It has specialisms in business and

financial services (supported by the expertise and business links of the sponsors) and

was judged „Outstanding‟ by Ofsted in January 2012.

Info+ http://www.thecityacademy.org/

23

The City of London Academy, Islington, which opened in September 2008, is jointly

sponsored by the City of London Corporation and City University London. The

Academy promotes excellence in the areas of critical thinking, creativity, leadership

and has specialist status in Business and Enterprise which reflects the expertise of the

sponsors.

Info+ http://www.colai.org.uk/

The City of London Academy, Southwark was the first City Academy to be built in

the country and moved into its new buildings in September 2005. It is sponsored by

the City of London Corporation and has specialisms in business and enterprise, and

sport. It provides for a range of special educational needs and disabilities, including

specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and hearing impairment. The Academy

has a specialist hearing impairment unit. The Academy has also gained Healthy

School status and its work in sport, careers and developing international educational

partnerships has been recognised through external validation.

Info+ http://www.cityacademy.co.uk/

The Guildhall School of Music & Drama

With over 800 students in higher education, drawn from nearly 60 countries The

Guildhall School of Music & Drama is one of the world's leading conservatoires and

drama schools. The School, which is owned and run by the City Corporation, offers

musicians, actors, stage managers and theatre technicians an inspiring environment

in which to develop as artists and professionals and is recognised as a global leader

in creative and professional practice.

Info+ http://www.gsmd.ac.uk/

24

2.3 Working to support the Third Sector

The City of London Corporation has a long and proud history of supporting the third

sector. This tradition is still alive today, and in our Corporate Plan we make a specific

pledge to „support the voluntary and community sector‟. Our support can be

divided into three key areas; building capacity, fund raising and greening the third

Sector.

Building capacity

The City of London Corporation runs City Action, a free employee volunteering

brokerage service linking City based businesses to community organisations in the

City and neighbouring boroughs. Through an annual workshop, City Action also

provides advice for community organisations on how to access corporate support.

Info+ http://www.city-action.org

We lead by example when it comes to encouraging employees to get involved

in volunteering activities, from mentoring young people to volunteering as

trustees and offering professional advice to community organisations. The City

Corporation‟s Employee Volunteering Programme gives staff the opportunity to

take two days per year to volunteer in the City‟s surrounding boroughs, which

contain some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in England. At the City of

London Corporation, volunteering is promoted as an alternative learning and

development tool and has been encouraged as a way to enhance core

behaviours as part of the appraisal process since 2008.

Info+ corporate.responsibility@cityoflondon.gov.uk

The City Corporation offers a range of volunteering opportunities for members of

the community who wish to support us in delivering our services. Every year,

hundreds of volunteers help us in our libraries, archives, art galleries, open spaces

and the police force.

Info+ http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/volunteerEnrolment

City.Comm, which was established by the City Corporation in 2007, supports and

advises the City‟s voluntary sector and community groups. City.Comm has

worked closely with many of the City‟s voluntary providers and has been

particularly effective in supporting the tenants of Aldgate East Estate and has

assisted them in forming a residents association.

Info+ http://www.citycomm.org.uk

Co-production requires public service staff to shift from fixers to enablers, thus

enabling the community to support themselves. Our Community and Children‟s

Services department are trialling this concept with the Portsoken Community

Centre which with our support, has been handed back to community members.

The City of London Corporation has signed up to the Social Enterprise Mark’s ’50 in

250’ campaign, pledging to procure from at least five Social Enterprises in 250 days.

The Community and Children‟s Services department currently commissions

approximately 11% of its services from civil society organisations.

25

Portsoken Community Centre has been handed back to the local community

Raising funds

The City Bridge Trust, the City of London Corporation‟s charity, give grants totalling

around £15m per year for charitable activity benefiting Greater London. In addition

to direct grant donations, the Trust works to enhance the capacity of the third sector

in a number of ways.

Philanthropy UK offers free and impartial advice to aspiring philanthropists

who want to give effectively. In 2010 City Bridge Trust gave a grant of

£80,000 over two years to encourage philanthropy in the City of London, in

particular by increasing individual giving.

Info+ http://www.philanthropyuk.org

The Funding Network, which was established with help from a City Bridge

Trust grant in 2008, runs regular events where charities can present to

potential donors.

Info+ http://www.thefundingnetwork.org.uk

In 2010, City Bridge Trust invested £100,000 interest-free in the East London

Bond. This investment released up-front grant funding for award-winning

community regeneration centres; the Bromley by Bow Centre and

Community Links.

Info+

http://www.citybridgetrust.org.uk/CBT/StrategicInitiatives/EastLondonBond.

htm

26

In 2012, the City of London Corporation launches a £20m Social Investment Fund,

to enable Social Enterprise and Third Sector organisation to access financial

assistance.

Each year, the Lord Mayor runs an appeal in aid of a charity or charities of his or her

choice. This year the Lord Mayor's Appeal, The City in Society‟ reflects the City of

London‟s major contribution and wide-ranging commitment to the society it serves,

and amongst the charities receiving support are Futures For Kids which raises funds to

relieve hardship, poverty, sickness and distress among children and young people in

the UK, and the rest of the world . Info+ http://www.thelordmayorsappeal.org/2013-

appeal

Children from Christchurch Primary School at the Lord Mayors Show

City of London Corporation employees have been able to donate to charity

through payroll giving since 1989, raising over £250,000. The City of London

Corporation meets the administration charge so all donations go directly to the

charity.

The City of London Corporation has a particularly close relationship with the livery

companies. The Lord Mayor is regarded as Head of the Livery movement and the

Court of Aldermen is the body granting livery status. Livery companies are major

supporters of charitable, philanthropic and educational programmes through

grants, donations and encouraging their members to give their own time and

expertise.

Info+http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Leisure_and_cultur

e/Local_history_and_heritage/Livery/Livery_live_online.htm

27

The City of London Corporation is one of largest supporters of the arts in the Country.

In addition to the Museum of London, the London Metropolitan Archives, the

Barbican Centre and the Guildhall Art Gallery, our support for programmes such as

the City of London Festival and the London Symphony Orchestra, make the City

home to one of the UK‟s most thriving cultural scenes. Cultural activities in the City

are estimated to provide over 3,600 jobs.

Info+ http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/EE496ED5-AA83-4DAE-A1A3-

2E603B2FD224/0/LH_CulturalStrategydocument17Mar.pdf

Greening the Third Sector

City Bridge Trust developed an award-winning eco-audit programme for charities.

An eco-audit offers a review of an organisation's current position on waste, energy

use, water, transport, raw materials and carbon emissions. The process involves

practical help and professional advice from an environmental consultant, to help

the charity become more “environmentally intelligent”. It is likely that, if charities

reduce their expenditure on consumables, energy, water and transport in addition

to protecting the environment, they will have more resources to spend on their core

purposes.

DELIVERING RESULTS- Supporting the Third Sector

Since its inception in 1998, 5,000 volunteers and over 500 community

organisations have been supported by City business employees via City

Action.

Each year, 200 volunteers support our Libraries, Archives and the Guildhall Art

Gallery.

Since 2002, over 1,000 employees from the City of London Corporation have

given over 14,000 hours of their time to more than 3000 individuals and

organisation beneficiaries.

45,000 hours were spent by volunteers on a range of conservation projects at

our open spaces in 2010/11.

10 volunteers are currently in the City of London‟s Police Support Volunteer

programme.

43 community organisations have received one-to-one support from

City.Comm in the past two years.

£250m has been given to good causes across London by the City Bridge Trust.

55 voluntary sector organisations have been given eco audits saving them

thousands of pounds a year in energy and water costs.

£250,000 has been donated to good causes by City of London staff through

the payroll giving scheme.

28

Reverend George Bush, Chair of the City Fairtrade Forum, meeting Cocoa Farmers

Did you know…

In 2007 the City of London achieved Fairtrade Town Status in recognition of its

commitment to supporting Fairtrade.

Info+

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and_plan

ning/Sustainability/Fairtrade/

29

2.4 Housing and homelessness

The success of the City and wider London is linked to workers being able to afford to

live within a reasonable travelling distance of their job. However, property prices in

London are beyond the means of many lower paid workers whose jobs are essential

to keep London running.

In addition to acting as a social landlord to 2,040 households (across six London

boroughs), through its Affordable Housing Strategy, the City Corporation funds

Housing Associations to provide new affordable and supported housing for Key

Workers and people in greatest need.

The City Corporation ensures that housing targets within the City of London meet the

requirements in The London Plan and that affordable housing targets are

periodically reviewed to meet current needs. Through its planning function, the City

Corporation requires developers to contribute towards the provision of new

affordable housing within and close to the City to address these needs.

The Golden Lane Estate

The City Corporation considers street homelessness and the delivery of affordable

housing to be key strategic issues. The City Corporation aims to ensure that no-one

needs to sleep rough in the City. However, we recognise that the many problems

associated with homelessness cannot be overcome by just through the provision of

accommodation. This is why we work in partnership with London based

homelessness charity Broadway to help people off the streets and engage with

homeless individuals to help move them into accommodation.

30

In 2011 the City won the prestigious “Andy Ludlow Award” for innovation in providing

solutions to homelessness for its pilot scheme of providing personalised budgets for

rough sleepers. The City Corporation was also honoured with a further three awards

for its innovative project “The Lodge” which provides hotel style accommodation for

older rough sleepers.

Info+

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Housing/Homeless/Ho

melessness-advice_and_support.htm

The decent homes target is a challenge that is dealt with in detail in the City

Corporation‟s Housing Revenue Account. To reach its aim, the City Corporation has

an on going programme of repairs and maintenance and strives to improve the

energy efficiency of its housing stock wherever possible.

Info: http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/F8BAA57C-5D68-4F3A-B9A5-

321B32580A1A/0/HRA_business_plan.pdf

Through its Supporting People programme the City of London provides support for

about 300 vulnerable people. The Supported Housing team works with externally

contracted organisations and staff in Community & Children's Services to provide

housing related support for vulnerable groups such as single homeless, people with

mental health problems, people with a physical or sensory disability and older

people in sheltered accommodation. Support is provided through the following

services:

Middle Street - single homeless project, managed by Providence Row Housing

Association

Tudor Rose Court – sheltered accommodation for older people, managed by

Stadium Housing Association

City of London Tenancy Partnership - the City Corporation‟s in-house floating

support service, providing housing related support to people in their home

Mais House, Isleden House and Harman Close – sheltered accommodation

for older people, owned and managed by the City Corporation.

City of London Almshouses - sheltered accommodation for older people.

Delivering results- Housing and homelessness

137 rough sleepers were supported into/provided with permanent

accommodation in 2011.

21 City rough sleepers were offered personalised budgets. The GLA with

financial support from the City Bridge House Trust has now rolled this

scheme out across London.

£9.8million invested in our housing stock over the last three years.

31

The Lodge- a partnership with St Mungos

Did you know…

St Mungo‟s and the City of London Corporation have worked together to

create The Lodge at St Ursula‟s, in Brooke Street, near Chancery Lane Tube

station. The newly refurbished building can house up to 40 „guests‟ aged 40

and over, with the aim of giving them a pleasant place to live and more

independence to encourage them to stay off the streets

Info+ http://www.mungos.org/first_guests_at_lodge

32

2.5 A safer City

The City of London has a low level of crime compared to other areas of London.

However, the Corporation is continuously working to further reduce those crimes

which do affect the City.

Drugs and alcohol

The City of London‟s London Drug and Alcohol Policy Forum has a pan-London remit.

A major element of its work is engaging and supporting the 32 boroughs and other

relevant agencies around substance misuse issues.

As a major producer of policy advice and information its materials such as “Do your

children know more about drugs than you?” (in excess of 150,000 distributed within

London), the drug recognition leaflet and poster (20,000 and 750 + distributed) and

the Tackling Alcohol and Drugs in the Workplace toolkit for employers (7,500+

distributed) are amongst the most highly regarded within the UK.

In connection with the Night Time Economy, the forum has produced both „Safer

Nightlife‟ and „Drugs at the Door‟. The latter publication is built on experience

managing the largest drugs amnesty bin scheme in the UK (Project Eclipse in

partnership with the City of London Substance Misuse Partnership). Both are

considered as national best practice and have led to the Forum‟s involvement in

European Union work in this area.

The Safer City Partnership

The Safer City Partnership provides a range of services which are targeted at those

working within the City and also provide support to those who live beyond the

Square Mile. An example is the Domestic Violence awareness training where the

benefits are likely to be realised in the home. Other examples are crime prevention

33

and safety advice roadshows. Materials produced are used by a number of

organisations beyond the City, these include Network Rail, Linklaters, Unilever and

the City of London University.

Within the SCP there is a Police Officer trained to deliver the Dare (Drug Abuse

Resistance Education) life skills programme. This is currently delivered within the City

schools and also three located in the City fringe.

The Substance Misuse Partnership has a focus on those who commit drug-related

offences and need treatment within the City of London. 99% of offenders who are

directed into treatment are residents of neighbouring London boroughs. Likewise the

work in identifying rough sleepers within the City clearly demonstrates that nearly all

of these have a connection with another area. The Partnership has also designed

and printed a suite of leaflets that aim to provide information and aim to reduce

harm around substance misuse. The partnership also works closely with others on

workplace issues and Project Eclipse which both help those who live beyond the

City.

Safety Thirst

The Safety Thirst Awards Scheme encourages and supports City-based pubs, clubs,

bars and restaurants to achieve the highest possible standards of safety and security

for customers and minimise any negative impact on neighbours. The City of London

Police, the City of London Corporation and the London Fire Brigade work in

partnership with the licensing trade to support efforts to meet the Safety Thirst

Awards standard.

With five attended toilets, 10 automatic toilets and more than 70 community toilets

the City of London probably has the highest concentration of public conviniences in

the country! The aim of the community toilet scheme is to improve the provision of

toilet facilities available to the public by working in partnership with local businesses

that are prepared to contribute to the community. This scheme is designed to

supplement the City's facilities and in exchange for providing members of the public

with free access to clean safe toilets. The City Corporation will pay a fee to

participating businesses.

Taxi Marshalls

The City of London‟s Taxi Marshall scheme aims to provide late night revellers with a

swift and safe way to get transport home, by ensuring an adequate supply of

licensed taxi cabs. Operating at two locations in the City, Liverpool Street and

Cornhill, the Taxi Marshall scheme has proved popular with both passengers and

drivers, has reduced the risk of disorder and the use of unlicenced cabs.

Info:https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Community_and_l

iving/Crime_prevention/Community_safety.htm

34

Delivering Results - Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour

116 licensed premises are members of the City‟s Safety Thirst scheme, which

aims to reduce alcohol related crime and increase safety for customers.

2 Taxi marshals are employed at Liverpool Street Station on Wednesday,

Thursday and Friday night between 10pm and 2am to help revellers get

home.

26 dogs work for the specialist dog unit in the City of London Police, including

10 general purpose police dogs, eight explosive search dogs, five cash,

drugs and weapons recovery dogs, and three passive drugs dogs

35

3. Our work towards economic sustainability

Society simply could not exist without financial services. From buying a house to

insuring a car, to saving for a pension, financial services touch every aspect of our

lives.

To this end, the importance of the City as a national asset cannot be overestimated.

The City contributes an estimated £31bn to Europe‟s GDP, directly employs almost

300,000 people and indirectly employs hundreds of thousands more.

However, as recent events have demonstrated, markets are a product of society

and must reflect society‟s concerns. There is a growing realisation that alongside

profit, financial services should consider how to maximise benefits to society over the

long term.

Encouraging Responsible Investment

The City of London Corporation has long understood that financial services have an

important role to play in securing sustainable development. Over the last decade

the City has gradually become the world‟s leading centre for finance and insurance

for sustainable development.

In 2007 the City of London Corporation was approached by Gresham College with a

proposal to use the considerable research and analytical capability of the financial

services sector to find solutions to sustainability problems. The result was The London

Accord, a co-operative research project intended to share the thinking and

analytical approaches that will direct investment to the best opportunities for

investing in sustainability solutions. Since its launch, more than 250 papers have been

added, covering topics as diverse as Genetically Modified Organisms, Food, and

Corporate Social Responsibility.

The London Accord is an invaluable resource for policy makers, NGOs and investors

who are seeking to harness the power of the market to find solutions to global issues.

The Accord continues to grow as more organisations donate research free of

charge, and it is now the largest resource of its type in the world.

Info+ www.london-accord.co.uk

Linked to the London Accord are the annual Far-Sight Awards, an international

awards scheme that recognises the best in extra-financial research.

The use of investment policy as a tool for the expression of personal or political ideas

dates back a long time. There is some evidence that the campaign to abolish

slavery, spearheaded by William Wilberforce in the early 19th Century, used financial

leverage as one of the means to achieve its ends. In some ways this pattern was

repeated in the late 1960s when shareholders in the US questioned the morality of

Dow Chemical‟s involvement in the manufacture of Agent Orange and Napalm in

the Vietnam War.

36

In more recent years, individual investors have been able to invest in funds which

reflect a variety of causes, from the protection of the environment, to animal rights

and child labour.

The City of London Corporation works with a wide range of stakeholders to

encourage the growth of the Social Investment market, which provides the

opportunity to make financial investments which have both a financial and a social

return. In 2011 the City Corporation published pioneering research into 'Investor

Perspectives on Social Enterprise Financing‟. The report examined the factors

influencing the attractiveness of social finance investment products to potential

investors, as well as providing recommendations into how investment vehicles can

be structured to meet investor needs.

The City Corporation has also supported the establishment of Big Society Capital, an

independent financial institution set up to develop and shape a sustainable social

investment market in the UK by giving organisations that tackle major social issues

access to new sources of finance, to help them thrive and grow. The City

Corporation found premises for Big Society Capital, which it is supplying rent free.

Responsible Procurement

The City of London Procurement Strategy contains a commitment to “promote and

deliver sustainability, local economic development, equality and diversity objectives

throughout procurement activities”. The City Corporation uses the London Tenders

Portal to advertise contract opportunities, making them accessible to all.

- In 2011/12 44% of the City of London‟s £180m third party expenditure was

spent with small and medium-sized enterprises and sole traders.

- In 2011/12 the City Corporation achieved Bronze in the Mayor of London’s

Green Procurement Code, a service for London-based organisations

committed to reducing their environmental impact through responsible

purchasing.

Under the pioneering Community Benefits Clauses the City of London Corporation

requires suppliers to procure a suggested 10% of their goods and services from

deprived areas (the City‟s neighbouring boroughs).These are typically included in

contracts above the EU procurement threshold.

- Each year, over £5m is achieved in community benefits through some of the

City‟s larger contracts.

Infowww.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Business/Tenders_and_co

ntracts/sustainable_procurement.htm

37

Appendix 1

The City of London’s Sustainability Policy

Introduction

The City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation with three

strategic aims –

• To support and promote „The City‟ asthe world leader in international finance

and business services

• To provide modern, efficient and high quality local services and policing within

the Square Mile for workers, residents and visitors whilst delivering sustainable

outcomes

• To provide valued services to London, Londoners and the nation

The City of London has a proud history of looking to the welfare of future generations

and has long been aware that a clean environment and economic prosperity go

hand in hand with quality of life. Following that tradition, this policy- outlines the

principles of sustainability which the City of London Corporation, its staff and

contractors are expected to follow in all their activities, plans and projects.

The Sustainability Policy is directly linked to the City Together Strategy, prepared by

The City Together, our local strategic partnership, on behalf of all of the City‟s

communities. It has a shared focus for the future, helping to co-ordinate partners‟

activities, help everyone work towards the same objectives, and meet the needs

and aspirations of the City‟s different communities.

The City Together Strategy‟s vision is to

“work to support the City as the leading international financial and business centre in

a way that meets the needs of its diverse communities and neighbours.”

The City of London: the heart of a World Class City which…

…is competitive and promotes opportunity …supports our communities …protects, promotes and enhances our environment

…is vibrant and culturally rich …is safer and stronger This policy sets out how the City of London Corporation will contribute to these aims.

We will report our performance against this policy through a regularly updated

Sustainability Review.

38

The City of London Corporation will

Contribute to building a strong, stable and sustainable economy

which provides prosperity and opportunities for all-

EC1 Assist businesses in the Square Mile and its neighbouring boroughs to become

more stable and competitive by improving understanding of climate change, its

potential impacts and how to prepare for and adapt to them.

EC2 Continue to increase business competitiveness and efficiency by helping

businesses to adopt sustainable practices, reduce emissions and explore

opportunities associated with environmental markets. EC3 Support businesses within the Square mile and neighbouring boroughs through

local and sustainable procurement whilst continuing to encourage our partners,

suppliers and City developers to do the same, and build the capacity of local small

businesses to become „fit to supply‟ the City. EC4 Encourage all business partners to become good corporate citizens and adopt

sound strategies on Corporate Social Responsibility. EC5 Improve the pool of skilled, local labour through training, employability and

employment support and ensuring everyone has access to education and

employment opportunites.

EC6: Encourage and promote sustainable investments and responsible capitalism,

including microfinance, the carbon markets, and social investments

EC7: Support the Social Enterprise agenda; a sustainable business model focusing on

positive social and financial outcomes.

EC8: Support the economics of regeneration in our neighbouring boroughs and the

promotion of skills-based volunteering with third sector organisations.

Respect the limits of the planet’s environment, resources and

biodiversity.

EN1 Raise awareness of environmental issues, and encourage the use of best

practice in all areas of operation and partnership working.

EN2 Work towards a low carbon future, following the path set through the City‟s

Climate Change Mitigation Strategy in order to achieve significant reductions in

energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from the City‟s buildings and activities.

EN3 Follow the recommendations in the City of London‟s Climate Change

Adaptation Strategy in order to adapt infrastructure and services to prepare for the

likely impacts of climate change.

EN4 Reduce, reuse and recycle waste, improve water efficiency as far as possible

and encourage others to do the same.

39

EN5 Ensure sustainable development principles are at the heart of the City of

London‟s planning system. EN6 Work towards a sustainable and integrated transport system in the Square Mile,

which reduces the negative impacts of transport use on the environment. EN8 Protect, maintain and improve the built environment of the Square Mile and the

City Fringe, thus ensuring it is a safe and pleasant place to live and work, and that

new building developments have a positive impact. EN9 Continue work with partners to counteract and reduce the risk of major

flooding.EN10 Increase awareness of everyone‟s role in making the Square Mile, and other

areas of land which it owns and controls, clean and attractive places to live, work

and visit. EN11 Improve the cleanliness of the Square Mile and City Fringe through street

cleaning and refuse collection.

EN12 Improve air quality within the Square Mile and City Fringe, and work with other

boroughs to reduce air pollution in Central

London. EN14 Enhance biodiversity, protect and maintain open spaces and other areas with

landscape, wildlife or historical interest on all the property City of London manages,

in partnership with local communities. EN15 Protect and maintain the historic properties which it owns both inside and

outside of the Square Mile, and ensure that streets and 1public spaces are designed

and maintained to a high standard. EN16 Continue to use its enforcement powers and education to prevent risk to

health and damage to the environment.

Contribute to a strong, healthy and just society.

SO1 Enhance and encourage preventative health services, activities and

education. SO2 Work to encourage deeper understanding and cooperation between people

from different cultures and faiths. SO3: Continue to purchase products bearing the Fairtrade mark and encourage our

stakeholders to do the same. SO3 Provide activities and meeting places for young people. SO4 Encourage closer working between different groups to ensure a range of

cultural activities meets the needs of all. SO5 Consult, inform, include and involve the City of London‟s diverse community

when making decisions and delivering change.

40

SO6 Work to ensure marginalised/ minority/ disadvantaged groups have equal

access to and are encouraged to use all City services and activities. SO7 Promote road safety. SO8 Work with all its stakeholders to reduce crime and fear of crime. SO9 Encourage increased understanding of sustainable development issues through

education and professional development.

SO10: Strive to achieve “Excellent” status under the Equalities Framework for Local

Governments by 2012. Through its Corporate Equalities Plan, the Corporation will

map its actions to achieve further levels of this standard, including those specifically

related to procurement.

The City of London Corporation will report to its stakeholders on its progress against

these goals on a regular basis.

41

Appendix 2

Who lives, works and does business in the Square Mile?

The City of London is a unique and historic environment, just over a square mile in

area yet home to approximately 10,000 residents and almost 13,000 national and

foreign businesses. Over 300,000 people commute into the Square Mile every day

from across London and the surrounding regions. Whilst many are employed in

finance and business (Figure 1.1), thousands more work in catering, cleaning and

the vast array of other services which are vital in keeping the City running.

Figure 1.1

In addition to providing a home for the headquarters of 200 multinational businesses

operating in the financial markets, the City hosts over 12,500 Small and Medium-sized

Enterprises1. The City of London contributes approximately 2.4% of UK GDP2.

Every three years, the City of London Corporation commissions a major Stakeholder

Survey in order to assess satisfaction with the City as a place to live, work and do

business. The results of the 2009 survey underline how the City of London is highly

regarded by all audiences as a place to live and work (figure 1.2):

95% of residents are satisfied with the City as a place to live

88% of workers are satisfied with the City as a place to work

93% of businesses and 93% of senior executives are satisfied with the City as a

place to do business.

1 UK Business: Activity, Size and Location – 2010 2 Office for National Statistics and Oxford Economics

42

Figure 1.2 Results from our Stakeholder Survey 2009 – Satisfaction with the City as a

place to live, work or do business

43

The City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation with three main aims –

to support and promote the City as the world leader in international finance and

business services

to provide high quality local services and policing for those working in, living in and

visiting the Square Mile

to provide valued services to London and the nation as a whole, including its role as

one of the most significant arts sponsors in the UK and its support for the economic

development of the surrounding boroughs.

The City Corporation is older than Parliament and its experience and tradition underpin its

modern role as the provider of key services. Elected Members, headed by the Lord Mayor,

operate on a non-party political basis.

Further information

City of London

PO Box 270

Guildhall

London EC2P 2EJ

T +44 (0) 20 7606 3030

F +44 (0) 20 7796 2621

sustainability@cityoflondon.gov.uk

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/sustainability