The Council Assembly of Southwark Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 18 March 2026 to consider nominations for the Freedom of the Borough award. This meeting will also include preliminary business such as apologies for absence and announcements.

Freedom of the Borough Nominations 2026

The primary item scheduled for discussion is the consideration of nominations for the Freedom of the Borough award. This honour is the highest accolade the council can bestow, recognising individuals or organisations that have rendered eminent services to the borough . The council has the power under Section 249 (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 to confer this title.

The report pack indicates that nominations are initially reviewed by the Constitutional Steering Panel, which then makes recommendations to the Council Assembly. If the council agrees to confer the honour, a ceremony is arranged, which in this instance is planned to coincide with the Annual Meeting of the Council, Mayor Making, and the Southwark Civic Awards at Southwark Cathedral on Wednesday 20 May 2026.

Recipients of the Freedom of the Borough are presented with a framed scroll of honour. For individuals, this may also include the entitlement to wear a ceremonial robe at civic events. The award itself does not confer any legal rights or responsibilities beyond a ceremonial role. Conditions apply to awards conferred on organisations, as detailed in Appendix A of the report pack, which outlines that the award is not an endorsement of services or goods, and its use in promotional activities is subject to council approval.

The report notes that combining the presentation ceremony with other annual events is intended to reduce costs. The cost of each scroll is approximately £200, and the council already possesses an adequate supply of ceremonial robes for individual recipients. Any additional costs may arise from a civic reception following the presentation. The report also states that this matter is not considered to have significant impacts on community, equalities, health, or climate change.

The report pack includes a closed report detailing the specific nominations for the Freedom of the Borough. If the council wishes to discuss any exempt information related to these nominations, a motion will be moved to exclude the press and public from that part of the meeting.