The Civic Recognition Panel of Bexley Council was scheduled to meet on Thursday, 22 January 2026, to discuss a nomination for the Freedom of the Borough. The meeting's agenda also included the review of previous minutes and guidance on declarations of interest.

Nomination for Freedom of the Borough

The primary item scheduled for discussion was a nomination for the Freedom of the Borough. This honour is the highest award that the London Borough of Bexley can confer, recognising individuals or groups who have rendered eminent service to the borough or are considered persons of distinction. The report pack outlined the legal context provided by the Local Government Act 1972, which states that recipients must be persons of distinction and have rendered eminent services to that place or area.

The local protocol, agreed upon in 2009, further elaborates on these criteria, requiring candidates to be current or former residents, or have an established connection with the borough. They should have made an exceptional contribution to Bexley, or their achievements should bring additional recognition to the borough. Examples provided include a lifetime of service, significant positive influence on social and economic well-being, major contributions through public service, international recognition in various fields, or acting as an ambassadorial role model for the community. The report pack stressed that this honour is not for a job well done but for individuals who have gone the extra mile or stand out significantly.

The report pack also detailed the history of the Freedom of the Borough award in Bexley, noting it has been conferred on only three occasions since the borough's incorporation in 1965: to Sir Edward Heath in 1971, the 17th Depot Training Regiment Royal Artillery in 1979, and 265 (Kent and County of London Yeomanry) Support Squadron (Sharpshooters) in 2010.

The panel was to consider the nomination, details of which were provided in an exempt appendix, and make recommendations to the Council. The report pack indicated that the nomination appeared to meet the established criteria. If the panel recommended the award, an extraordinary meeting of the Council would be convened to vote on the resolution, requiring a two-thirds majority. The report pack also outlined potential financial implications for the production of a scroll and seal, with costs ranging from £100 to over £1,000 depending on the chosen method of production.

Declarations of Interest and Dispensations

The meeting was scheduled to include a discussion on declarations of interest and dispensations. The report pack provided general guidance for members on declaring interests, distinguishing between Disclosable Pecuniary Interests and Other Significant Interests. A Disclosable Pecuniary Interest includes not only a member's own interests but also those of their spouse or civil partner, or someone they live with as such. An Other Significant Interest relates to a person's financial position or the determination of an application made by them or an Associated Person, which includes family members, close associates, employers, or bodies where the member has control or management. The guidance detailed the actions members must take if they have an interest to declare, including leaving the room during discussion and voting, unless a dispensation has been granted.

Items of Late Business

The agenda also included a section for items of late business. The report pack explained that such items would only be considered if the Chair was satisfied that, due to special circumstances, the item needed to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Members were advised to report any potential late items to the Committee Officer in advance of the meeting.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

A report was scheduled to be presented regarding the exclusion of the press and public from certain parts of the meeting. This was in relation to an exempt appendix for agenda item 6, the nomination for Freedom of the Borough. The report indicated that the appendix contained exempt information within the meaning of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, specifically relating to personal information about a nominee. The recommendation was that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.