The Director of Governance and Assurance submitted a report requesting the Committee give consideration to recommend to the Council that the title of Honorary Alderman or Alderwoman be conferred on former Councillors Ron Abbey, Phil Davies, Gerry Ellis, John Hale and Chris Meaden.

It was reported that Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 provides that the title of Honorary Alderman may be conferred by the Council on persons who have, in its opinion, rendered eminent service as past Members of the Council (or a predecessor Council) but who are no longer Councillors.  This was amended by Section 29(4) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 and Section 249(1) states that a principal council may, by a resolution passed by not less than two thirds of the Members voting thereon at a meeting of the Council specially convened for the purpose with notice to object, confer the title of Honorary Alderman or Honorary Alderwoman on persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent service to the Council as past Members of that Council, but who are not then Members of the Council.

Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen are invited to attend Council meetings in a non-participating capacity.  They do not receive any allowances or payments under section 173 to 176 of the Local Government Act 1972.  Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen are also invited to attend and take part in civic ceremonies such as Civic Sundays and Remembrance Sundays and other appropriate civic events.  The names of Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen are inscribed on a Roll of Honour board on the first floor landing of Wallasey Town Hall.

Members were advised that previously the Council had determined that former Members who had served twenty years on the Council or a predecessor Council were eligible for nomination to this Award.  Successful nominees had been awarded a suitable badge at a special ceremony.  Currently former Councillors Ron Abbey, Phil Davies, Gerry Ellis, John Hale and Chris Meaden were the only persons eligible to be appointed as an Honorary Alderman/Alderwoman as they had all served more than twenty years on the Council.

It was moved by Councillor A Hodson and seconded by Councillor D Mitchell that –

“The Council also confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former Councillor David Elderton in recognition of his eminent and exceptional service whilst a Member of the Council”.

Mr D K Abraham, Legal Advisor to the Committee re-emphasised to Members that conferment must be passed by not less than two-thirds of the Members voting thereon at a meeting of the Council specially convened for the purpose with notice to object.

It was further moved by Councillor P Stuart and seconded by Councillor A Hodson that –

Resolved -

(1)  That the Council be recommended to confer the title of Honorary Alderman/Alderwoman on former Councillors Ron Abbey, Phil Davies, Gerry Ellis, John Hale and Chris Meaden in accordance with Section 249(1) of the Local Government Act 1972.

(2)  That the Council be recommended to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former Councillor David Elderton for his eminent and exceptional service to the Council in accordance with Section 249(1) of the Local Government Act 1972.