The Council Assembly of Southwark Council met on Wednesday 1 December 2010 to consider nominations for the title of Honorary Alderman/Alderwoman. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the conferment of this honour on former members of the council who have rendered eminent services.

Honorary Alderman/Alderwoman Nominations

The meeting was scheduled to consider nominations for the title of Honorary Alderman/Alderwoman. This honour, provided for under Section 249(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, can be conferred on individuals who have provided significant service to the council as past members. The Act was amended in 2009 to include the title of Honorary Alderwoman.

The report pack indicated that the conferment of such a title requires a resolution passed by at least two-thirds of the members present at a specially convened meeting. The council also has the power to spend a reasonable sum for the presentation of an address or casket to recipients.

The criteria for nomination included having served on the council for at least two full terms, with the award not being automatically conferred upon retirement. Past Mayors and Freepersons were not to be included in nominations.

The report pack listed nine former members as eligible for the title: Paul Bates, James Gurling, Kim Humphreys, Jelil Ladipo, Caroline Pidgeon, Robert Smeath, Richard Thomas, Dominic Thorncroft, and Lorraine Zuleta.

It was proposed that if the council agreed to confer the honour, a ceremony would be arranged in conjunction with the Civic Awards ceremony on 7 May 2011 at St Georges Cathedral. The report pack noted that the office of Honorary Alderman/Alderwoman carries a ceremonial role at civic functions and does not grant any legal rights or responsibilities, nor does it entitle recipients to attend council meetings or receive allowances. The last time honorary positions were conferred was after the 2006 election.

The report pack also outlined resource implications, stating that ceremonies occur once per administration and can be managed within existing staff and financial resources. A scroll and badge would be presented, and a robe supplied for recipients to wear at the ceremony and subsequent civic events. The background documents for this item included the Southwark constitution.