The Lords is expected to give the green light to controversial reforms to the medieval Corporation of London.

Legislation which gives businesses the vote in the City - and is not based, as other public authorities are, on universal suffrage - has been delayed by Labour MPs for over three years.

Moves to gives City corporations voting strength based on the number of employees but without consulting workers have been dubbed a "slavery franchise" by campaigners.

The Corporation of London has defended the system - giving business 32,000 votes compared to 6000 for local residents - as reform to the status quo which currently restricts the bulk of the franchise to sole traders and professional partnerships.