Council is requested to consider the following recommendation from the Regulatory and General Purposes Committee at its meeting on 7 June 2023 (minute 9 refers):

That in pursuance of the provisions of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and in recognition of his dedicated service to the Borough, that Paul O’Grady MBE DL be posthumously admitted as an Honorary Freeman of this Borough at an Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held on 10 July 2023.

Minute and report attached.

The Council considered a report from the Director of Law and Governance in respect to a proposal to admit posthumously, Paul O’Grady MBE DL, as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough.

The recommendation was in pursuance of the provisions of Section 249 (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and in recognition of his dedicated service to the Borough, that Paul O’Grady MBE DL be posthumously admitted as Honorary Freeman of this Borough.

Several Councillors spoke in relation to the achievements of Paul O’Grady, and the significant contributions that had had made to television, animal welfare, LGBTQ+ rights and to the borough of Wirral and that receiving the nomination of Honorary Freeman of the Borough recognised these significant contributions.

Following the speeches from Councillors, it was –

Resolved (unanimously) – That in pursuance of the provisions of Section 249 (5) of the Local Government Act 1972, that Paul O’Grady MBE DL be posthumously admitted as Honorary Freeman of this Borough.

The Director of Law and Governance submitted a report requesting that Members of the Committee recommend to Council that Paul O’Grady MBE DL be posthumously admitted as Honorary Freeman of this Borough at an Extraordinary Council meeting to be held on 10 July 2023.

The Civic and Electoral Services Manager reported that this was a very significant step for the Council to take.  Very few people had been awarded this status and it should only be awarded to someone who had made an exceptional contribution to the Borough.  Paul O’Grady MBE DL, Comedian, Broadcaster, Actor and Writer, who was born and raised in Birkenhead and who sadly passed away on 28^th March 2023 aged 67 is considered to be within this category.

In respect of a query raised, it was noted that the year The Hillsborough 96 had been granted the title of Honorary Feeman or Freewoman of the Borough was 2017, which had been inadvertently omitted from the report.

On a motion by Councillor James Stewart Laing and seconded by Councillor Louise Luxon-Kewley it was –

Resolved –

(1)  That in pursuance of the provisions of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and in recognition of his dedicated service to the Borough, that Paul O’Grady MBE DL be posthumously admitted as an Honorary Freeman of this Borough at an Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held on 10 July 2023; and

(2)  That officers be requested to take the necessary actions associated with (1) above and arrange a small civic reception for family representatives of Paul O’Grady MBE DL and some invited guests on a mutually agreeable date following the Extraordinary Meeting of Council on 10 July 2023.