Decision details

To set out proposals for how the scheme will apply for Ashford and ask the Cabinet to make appropriate recommendations to the Full Council Meeting.  The report will also seek to afford the title of Mayor Emeritus to past Mayors and establish a ‘Civic Emeritus Mayoralty’ and ‘Honorary Aldermanic Group’ who will be invited to support the Mayor at the Annual Civic Service and Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

The Leader introduced the report which proposed the establishment of an Honorary Alderman Scheme to recognise dedicated and committed service by past elected Members of the Council. The report set out proposals for how the scheme would be established in Ashford and requested that the Cabinet make appropriate recommendations to Full Council.

A Member asked if the length of service to become eligible should be 16 years (or four terms) as at some other Local Authorities, rather than the proposed 12 years (three terms). The Leader said he did not believe there was a standard across other Local Authorities and the eligibility criteria did vary somewhat. This issue had been considered at some length and it had been agreed that 12 years or three terms of service did demonstrate significant commitment to the community.

Recommended:

That    (i)         an Honorary Alderman Scheme for the Borough of Ashford be established for those former Councillors who had served for 12 years or more as an Elected Member of Ashford Borough Council.

            (ii)        the rights and privileges to be afforded to Honorary Aldermen be agreed as set out in Paragraph 7 of the report.

            (iii)       Past Mayors be given the title of “Mayor Emeritus” upon ceasing to be a Member of the Council to acknowledge their contribution to the work of the Council and the community.

            (iv)       the existing Members Long Term Certificates Scheme continue to be awarded to those Members who have served one or two terms of office.

            (v)        the Nomination Award Criteria for Honorary Aldermen be approved as outlined in Paragraph 5 of the report.

            (vi)       the Head of Legal and Democracy, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Member Champion for the Military Covenant and Ceremonial Liaison, be given delegated authority to agree the ceremonial and other matters associated with the award.