Decision details

Awarding honorary titles - policy statements

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To approve the policy statements relating to the criteria upon which the council would seek to award Honorary Freemen/Freewomen titles.

Decision:

THAT:

(a)             The policy statement and procedure at appendices 1 for nominating honorary freemen/women is agreed and adopted;

(b)             Awards of honorary titles are limited to a maximum of 4 titles held within the county at any one time; and

(c)             The democratic services manager be delegated responsibility to oversee and administer the process of nominations.

 

 

Reasons for the decision:

To approve the policy statements relating to the criteria upon which the council would seek to award Honorary Freemen/Freewomen titles.

Alternative options considered:

Do nothing.  This is not recommended. Having transparent agreed criteria mitigates the risk that the award of such titles is viewed as a ‘closed shop’.

Agree different criteria:  It is open to cabinet to adopt other criteria. However regard should be had to the legislative basis behind the award of honorary titles and the integrity of the process for considering such awards. The draft criteria proposed are in line with those adopted by other councils. 

 

Contact: John Coleman, Democratic Services Manager Email: John.Coleman@herefordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01432 260382.

Publication date: 22/06/2017

Date of decision: 22/06/2017

Effective from: 29/06/2017