Decision details

Members considered holding a Freeman and Alderman Ceremony in 2025/26. It was proposed that the ceremony take place on 28 January 2026, to allow time for appropriate preparations to take place. As in the previous ceremony in January 2024, the Council makes use of the relevant legislation to include the titles of both Freeman/Alderman and Freewomen/Alderwoman for those who wish to use them.

RESOLVED that:

1.     The official admittance to the office of Honorary Freeman/Alderman of the Borough will take place at a special meeting of the Council to be held on 28 January 2026.

2.     Cost option 1 of £5,650, as detailed in the report, be the preferred option, to be met from the existing Ceremonial Events Budget.

Reason

It is feasible for the event to take place within the Council Chamber, providing that there were no more than four new Freemen or Aldermen to be admitted in order to meet the safe capacity limits of the space.

Options considered and rejected

Option 2 – event to take place at an external venue with an additional budget requirement of £12,000.