Freedom of the Borough

Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 states that a council may admit "persons of distinction and persons who have in the opinion of the council, rendered eminent services to the borough" as honorary freemen/freewomen or in the case of HM Services Units, Freedom of the Borough.

The resolution must be passed by not less than two-thirds of the members at a meeting of the council specially convened for the purpose with notice of the object.

Awarding Freedom of the Borough

The overriding principle is that these awards should be made on merit, defined as:

• Achievement
• Exceptional Service

Awards should not be for a job well done or because someone has reached a particular level. They should be awarded because an individual has, ‘gone the extra mile’ in the contribution they have made or stand out ‘head and shoulders’ above others in what has been achieved.

To be considered, someone should have:

• delivered in a way that has brought distinction to borough life and enhanced the borough’s reputation in the area or activity concerned
• contributed in a way to improve the lives of those less able to help themselves
• demonstrated innovation and entrepreneurship which is delivering results in the borough.

The awarding of the title of Honorary Freemen/Freewomen is the highest honour that a borough council can grant and, in the view of many, should not be given too often.

The title of Honorary Freemen/Freewomen does not give any rights but it is hoped that person would support the Office of Mayor at civic functions.

The awarding of the Freedom of the Borough to Service Units ‘to march through the streets of the borough with bayonets fixed, drums beating and Colours flying’ is really an empty grant. It is generally accepted that the award just provides a dignified and satisfactory means of enabling a city or borough to honour a distinguished unit of His Majesty’s forces.