The Civic Recognition Panel met on Tuesday 2 July 2024 to consider a nomination for a long-serving member of the council. The panel recommended a vote of thanks and a certificate of recognition for the member, with the potential for the title of Honorary Alderman to be conferred at a later date.

Recognition of Long Service

The panel considered a nomination for a sitting Member of the Council who has provided long service to the London Borough of Bexley. The report discussed options for conferring recognition, including the title of Honorary Alderman and admission as an Honorary Freeman/Freewoman of the Borough, as outlined in sections 249 (1) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972¹, as amended by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009².

It was noted that the title of Honorary Alderman cannot legally be conferred on a sitting Member of the Council. Therefore, the panel agreed to recommend to the Council that:

• A vote of thanks and recognition be made to the Member at the July meeting of the Council.
• A certificate be presented to the Member at a small reception later in the year to acknowledge their service.
• The title of Honorary Alderman be conferred on the Member at the point at which they are no longer a Member of the Council, subject to a vote requiring the support of two-thirds of the Council.

The panel also agreed to explore options for a badge or similar item to be presented to the former Member when the title of Honorary Alderman is conferred.