Agenda item

Report of the Managing Director

The submitted report (previously circulated) recommended that the long service of former Councillors who did not stand for re-election in the 2019 Local Government Election be recognised by admitting Bill Dixon as a ‘Honorary Freeman’ and bestowing the title of ‘Honorary Alderman’ on David Lyonette and Tony Richmond.

The submitted report stated that the Local Government Act 1972 enabled the Council to admit ‘persons of distinction’ and persons who have ‘rendered eminent service’ to the Borough as an ‘Honorary Freeman’ or ‘Honorary Freewoman’ of Darlington. It was noted that the title of Honorary Freeman or Freewoman was the highest civic honour that the Council was able to bestow.

It was stated that the Local Government Act 1972 also enabled the Council to confer the title of ‘Honorary Alderman’ to former Members of Council who had ‘rendered eminent service’ to the Council. 

RESOLVED – a) That Bill Dixon be admitted to the title of ‘Honorary Freeman of Darlington’ and that David Lyonette and Tony Richmond be conferred the title of ‘Honorary Alderman’ are a fitting way to recognise and honour the service of those past members of Council.

b) That a Special Meeting of the Council be convened as soon as can practicably be arranged to enable Members to formally vote (with a two-thirds majority) on a resolution that Bill Dixon be admitted to the title of ‘Honorary Freeman of Darlington’ and that David Lyonette and Tony Richmond be conferred the title of ‘Honorary Alderman’.

c) That the Assistant Director, Law and Governance be authorised to finalise the arrangements for a Special Meeting of the Council, the conferment the award and titles, and an appropriate event to follow on from that meeting.

REASONS – a) To recognise the long and eminent service of former Members of the Council by the conferment of the titles of Honorary Freeman and Honorary Aldermen.

b) For decisions to be made in compliance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1972.