Introduction
This document sets out the criteria, procedure and arrangements relating to the selection and appointment process for Honorary Freemen, Honorary Freewomen and the Granting of Freedom of the Parish to individuals.
Granting the Freedom of the Parish
Granting the Freedom of the Parish is the highest honour that the Parish Council can bestow. Although it carries no powers, rights or privileges, those who receive the honour are able to use the title of Freeman or Freewomen.
As this is the highest honour that the Parish Council can grant it should be used sparingly and should not be given too often in order to preserve its status and value.
Criteria
There is no statutory guidance that sets out any criteria for the appointment of Freemen and Freewomen. As the Freedom of the Parish is awarded in recognition of exceptional service to the Parish, it would be inappropriate to set out strict judging criteria. Instead, guidance on the attributes that successful candidates would be expected to have demonstrated is outlined within this policy.
Cost
Section 249 (9) of Local Government Act 1972 allows Councils to spend “such reasonable sum as it thinks fit” on presenting an address to an Honorary Freeman or Honorary Freewoman. A commemorative ‘scroll’ or certificate will be provided. Currently there is no budget provision for this but under the S137 of the Local Government Act 1972 the costs of the scroll and frame can be allocated.
Legislation
Section 249 (5) of Local Government Act 1972, as amended by Section 29 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development & Construction Act 2009, allows the Council of a relevant authority (including a Parish Council) to admit to be honorary freemen or honorary freewomen of the place or area for which it is the authority:
a) Persons of distinction, and
b) Persons who have, in the opinion of the authority, rendered eminent service to that place or area.
A resolution must be passed:
a) At a meeting of the Parish Council that has been convened especially for the purpose and where notice of the object of the meeting to pass a motion relating to the granting of the award has been given; and
b) By not less than two-thirds of the members of the Council who vote on it.
Procedure for Granting of Freedom of the Parish of Lambourn
A Town or Parish Council can award a ‘Title of Dignity’ to a person in recognition of significant contributions being made to the local community. Lambourn Parish Council may award the title of ‘Honorary Freeman or Freewoman of the Parish of Lambourn.
In keeping with the special nature of the award it shall be strictly limited to residents from any walk of life who have made a very significant voluntary contribution to Lambourn Parish and who have demonstrated “service above self”, or a significant national contribution relative to Lambourn Parish.
It would be expected that the nominee will have given extensive and distinguished service to the community eg service to other organisations, voluntary and community groups, in a largely voluntary capacity. The nominee must have made an outstanding contribution to the Parish so as the nominee’s contribution can be demonstrably seen to stand head and shoulders above the contributions made by most other people.
The Parish Council’s decision on the award of the title is final and no discussion or correspondence will be entered into on the matter.
There is no limit to the number of nominations or holders of the title, but the nature of the nomination criteria means it is unlikely that the honour will be frequently awarded and will therefore remain distinctive. The award will be conferred for the life of the title holder but is not hereditary in nature.
Nominations must be made by a serving Parish Councillor, though any local resident may approach a Councillor and recommend a nomination. Nominations must be made by a Councillor in writing to the Parish Clerk in advance of the December meeting.
All nominations of Honorary Freeman or Freewoman are to be treated in the strictest of confidence. The nominee should not be informed that they have been nominated as it is not fair to raise expectations in case they are not met. It is imperative that submissions are not discussed with any other persons. Any disclosure will make the application invalid.
Once a nomination has been received it will be considered by a meeting of the Full Council at the December meeting each year. This discussion will be held under ‘restricted business’ and will therefore exclude members of the public. The whole Council must resolve by at least a two-thirds majority that the distinction of ‘Honorary Freeman or Freewoman of the Parish of Lambourn’ be conferred upon the nominee.
Following a recommendation by Full Council that an award is justified the title of ‘Honorary Freeman or Freewoman of the Parish of Lambourn will be granted by the Chair of the Parish Council and the title holder presented with a scroll citing the grounds for the award.
The presentation of a scroll would be made by the Chair at a suitable appropriate event. A copy of the scroll will be held on record by the Parish Clerk. The title holder will be able to style themselves ‘Honorary Freeman or Freewoman of the Parish of Lambourn. The title does not convey any legal or financial privileges on the holder.
Document Control
Document owner: Lambourn Parish Council
Version number: V1.0
Approval Date: 4 April 2023
Approved By: Full Council
Review cycle: Annual
Date of next review: 2024