Council is requested to consider the following recommendation from the Regulatory and General Purposes Committee at its meeting on 7 September 2023 (minute 19 refers):

That in pursuance of the provisions of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and in recognition of her dedicated service to the Borough, that Glenda Jackson be posthumously admitted as an Honorary Freewoman of this Borough at an Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held on 9 October 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, Glenda Jackson, as an Honorary Freewoman 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 her dedicated service to the Borough, that Glenda Jackson be posthumously admitted as Honorary Freewoman of this Borough.

Several Councillors spoke of the achievements of Glenda Jackson, outlining her upbringing in Wirral before her move to London and the significant contributions she made to acting and politics.

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 Glenda Jackson be posthumously admitted as Honorary Freewoman of this Borough.

The Director of Law and Governance submitted a report requesting that Members of the Committee recommend to Council that Glenda Jackson be posthumously admitted as Honorary Freewoman of this Borough at an Extraordinary Council meeting to be held on 9 October 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.  Glenda Jackson of Birkenhead is considered to be within this category.

Councillor M Sullivan paid tribute to Glenda Jackson for her great service to the country and highly commended that this award be given.

In response to a question from the Chair, the Civic and Electoral Services Manager advised that proposals for this award may be provided by a Councillor or anyone in the Borough for consideration by this Committee.

On a motion by Councillor M Sullivan and seconded by Councillor J Stewart Laing, it was –

Resolved –

(1)  That in pursuance of the provisions of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and in recognition of her dedicated service to the Borough, that Glenda Jackson be posthumously admitted as an Honorary Freewoman of this Borough at an Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held on 9 October 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 Glenda Jackson and some invited guests on a mutually agreeable date following the Extraordinary Meeting of Council on 9 October 2023.