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City of London

The City of London, often referred to as just the City or as the 'Square Mile' (from its area) forms the historic and financial centre of Greater London. Population: 5,200 (1998). It is separately administered by the Corporation of London. It has its own independent police force, the City of London Police[?], unlike the rest of Greater London which is policed by the London Metropolitan Police[?], based at Scotland Yard). It is also unusual in that businesses are allowed to vote in the local government elections.

The City of London (Ward Elections) Bill, which will reform the current voting system for electing Members to the Corporation of London, passed its final hurdle by getting approval from the House of Lords at the end of October 2002. Under the new system, the business vote will be increased by 16,000 to 32,000. Previously disenfranchised firms will be entitled to nominate voters, in addition to those already included in the business vote, and will be required to choose these voters in a representative fashion. The Bill will also remove other anomalies that have developed over time within the current system, which has been unchanged since the 1850s.

Contains the Barbican Estate.