Members of the Council are asked to consider whether they have any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or any other relevant interest, in connection with any matter to be debated or determined at this meeting and, if so, to declare it and state the nature of such interest.

The Members of the Council were invited to consider whether they had any disclosable pecuniary and/or any other relevant interest in connection with any matters to be determined at this meeting and, if so, to declare it and state the nature of such interest.

No such declarations were made.

To receive the Civic Mayor's announcements and any apologies for absence.

The Civic Mayor noted that apologies had been received from Councillors John Hale and Cherry Povall.

Prior to the Civic Mayor’s announcements, the Bishop of Birkenhead, the Right Reverend Keith Sinclair led the Council in prayer.

The Civic Mayor welcomed Members and invited guests to the meeting. He thanked the Police Band, who had cancelled another engagement to enable it to attend and play at this important civic event. 

The Civic Mayor paid tribute to PC David Philips who was to be granted the Council’s highest honour – Freedom of the Borough and expressed his personal gratitude in respect of the work PC Phillips had undertaken to keep others safe.

The Council is requested to consider the following recommendation from Cabinet at its meeting on 25 April, 2016 (Minute 136(1) refers):

In pursuance of the provisions of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and in recognition of his dedicated service and bravery during his 10 years of employment with Merseyside Police, PC David Phillips be posthumously admitted as an Honorary Freeman of this Borough.

(The minute and the report are attached).

Councillor Phil Davies moved the following Motion which was jointly seconded by Councillor Jeff Green and Phil Gilchrist:

“That in pursuance of the provisions of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and in recognition of his dedicated service and bravery during his 10 years of employment with Merseyside Police, PC David Phillips be posthumously admitted as an Honorary Freeman of this Borough.”

The mover, seconders and Councillor L Rennie each spoke in support of the motion.

At the invitation of the Civic Mayor Mr Robin Phillips (PC David Phillips’ father) and the Chief Constable, Sir Jon Murphy both paid tribute to PC David Phillips.

The Civic Mayor presented scrolls to Mrs Jenny Phillips and her daughters Abigail and Sophie and to Mr and Mrs Phillips.

RESOLVED: (unanimously)

That in pursuance of the provisions of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and in recognition of his dedicated service and bravery during his 10 years of employment with Merseyside Police, PC David Phillips be posthumously admitted as an Honorary Freeman of this Borough.