Working and Voting for a World Class City? A critical viewpoint on the Corporation of London's place in London governance

Abstract

This paper presents a critical commentary on the governance of the City of London business and banking district at the heart of London. The ancient institution of governance – the Corporation of London – that administers the area is suggested to be undemocratic as well as inappropriate to the management of a modern financial district. The paper focuses on recent debates, in particular Parliamentary ones, over the Corporation's future and resultant changes to its franchise and procedures. It is argued that the current situation is incompatible with the democratic principles that should underpin British urban governance. Furthermore, it is suggested that the current situation creates problems for the governance and promotion of London as a world city and as a key centre for financial services. The paper concludes that democratic problems, an unrepresentative constitution, and its inappropriateness as a 'representative' of the financial services community mean that serious questions must be raised over the role the Corporation of London should continue to play in the government of London.