Issue - meetings

To consider a report on matters relating to the Honorary Aldermen and Freemen of the Council who were admitted under the Local Government (Structural Changes) (Transitional Arrangements) (No2) Regulations 2008. 

The Sub-Committee considered proposals relating to the Honorary Aldermen and Freemen of Cheshire East Council who were admitted under the Local Government (Structural Changes) (Transitional Arrangements) (No2) Regulations 2008.

The Sub-Committee had previously considered a report on matters relating to the Honorary Aldermen and Freemen of Cheshire East Council who had been admitted from the demised authorities. A provisional list of Honorary Aldermen and Freemen, who had been admitted by the demised authorities, had been circulated at the previous meeting together with a list of rights and privileges that had been extended to them. The Civic Sub-Committee had resolved that the Democratic Services Manager write to all Members of the Council with a view to confirming the accuracy of the list of Honorary Aldermen and Freemen and to consult with all Members of the Council on what rights and privileges should be granted by Cheshire East Council.

Cheshire East Council now needed to consider its own arrangements. A draft Scheme had been drafted for Members’ consideration which dealt with:

·                     the criteria for the appointment of Honorary Alderman and Freemen;

·                     the rights and duties to be conferred on Honorary Alderman and Freeman;

·                     the order of proceedings for the ceremony for their admission; and

·                     arrangements for their attendance at meetings and events and notification of events.

RESOLVED

That the draft scheme relating to the appointment, rights and privileges of Honorary Aldermen and Freemen as set out at Appendix 5 to the report be approved and recommended to the Constitution Committee subject to the following:

1.      for the purposes of the scheme, the term ‘eminent service’ shall mean a minimum of 12 years’ service, whether consecutive or otherwise;

2.      the rights and privileges previously afforded to County Honorary Aldermen as set out in Appendix 4 shall be conferred on newly-appointed Honorary Aldermen in Cheshire East and incorporated into the scheme accordingly, subject to the following amendments:

a.      parking passes shall be provided for Westfields and Macclesfield Town Hall

b.      a life pass to Tatton Park and its facilities shall be granted to an Honorary Alderman and one guest

3.      the rights and privileges conferred on Honorary Aldermen under this Scheme shall also apply to newly-appointed Honorary Freemen; and

4.      where the title of Honorary Freeman has been conferred on a body or organisation, an appropriate representative of that body shall be invited to attend any relevant functions.