Londoners asked ‘help fund cost of white tie and tails’ for City councillors

A swanky event held in the City
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Britain’s oldest local authority is looking at getting taxpayers to pick up the bill for “Downton Abbey-style” evening wear for its councillors.

The City of London Corporation says the cost of buying or hiring the white tie and tails worn by men, or full-length evening gowns for women, is putting off less wealthy locals from standing for election.

This is creating a “clubby atmosphere” at the council, which has only elected two female Lord Mayors since Henry Fitz-Ailwin was returned in 1189.

In responses to a consultation published by the corporation’s policy and resources committee, one said: “As it is a requirement of the City to dress in white/black tie, appropriate provision should be made to cover costs.”

Another added: “I have sympathy for new members who could be involved in a white tie occasion very soon after being elected. The cost of hiring an evening suit can be quite expensive and so consideration of some expenses claim would be appropriate — for both male and female members.”

One politician likened the garb to “school uniform”, adding: “Purchasing or hiring dinner suits, morning coats and white tie gear is not cheap for men, and women members also face significant costs in purchasing appropriate evening wear.”

The corporation is famed for its pomp and pageantry and insists that male elected members wear a black tailcoat, white bow-tie and waistcoat when mingling with grandees at its livery banquets and dinners. Hiring evening wear for a night can cost more than £100.

Guidelines suggest that women wear “a long dress, with shoulders covered. Gloves may be considered. Tiaras, if in possession”.

But while one councillor advised “Dress for City events can be obtained at very low cost online”, another warned that the “tax for tails” scheme “would be a PR disaster and should be resisted at all costs. It could be considered in hardship cases only”.

Menswear shop Dobell sells a white tie package recommended by livery companies — with a Marcella dress shirt and waistcoat — for £350.

The consultation is part of internal discussions about how the 951-year-old corporation can modernise and diversify. Another suggestion is to introduce pay and expenses of up to £55,000 for the most senior elected roles although two-thirds of those questioned rejected this plan, citing a cost in excess of £1.5 million a year.

One anonymous member said the existing voluntary structure enforced “clubby/old-fashioned attitudes” while another said it served the “retired, wealthy and white”.

A Corporation spokeswoman said: “We have already taken action in the last few years to enhance the diversity of members. This report is part of a discussion to ascertain what else can be done. Elected members will discuss it in public in the normal way.”

The Corporation has often been criticised for lavish spending and has a huge secretive fund known as “City cash” built up over centuries. The Labour party has called for reform after £576,000 was set aside for banquets and hospitality in one year.

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