Agenda and minutes

The Worshipful the Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting and outlined the arrangements for the meeting.

There were no interests declared.

Consideration was given to a report on the appointment of Honorary Aldermen in accordance with Section 249 (1) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Under Section 249 (1) of the Local Government Act 1972 a principal Council may, by a resolution passed by not less than two thirds of Members in attendance and voting thereon at a meeting of the Council specially convened for the purpose, confer the title of Honorary Alderman on persons who had, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Council as past Members, but who are not current Members of the Council.

The Act indicated that service with predecessor Authorities would count as service to be considered when conferring the honour.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council had agreed that reckonable service for the purpose of conferring this title should be at least 16 years and should take into account factors such as the nominees previous attendance at Council / Committee meetings; and/or contribution the individual had made to the Council.

The former Councillors detailed within the report satisfied the above criteria. All nominees had made a significant contribution to the Council through membership of Committees / outside bodies and other areas of special responsibility, including responsibility for chairing Council Committees. Councillors O’Donnell, Kirton, Dixon, Perry and Javed all completed a mayoral term providing services to the Borough as first citizen.

RESOLVED that:-

1. The title of Honorary Alderman be conferred on the former Councillors:-

• Bill Woodhead MBE

• Jean O Donnell

• Paul Kirton

• Mike Smith

• Ken Dixon

• Maurice Perry

• Mohammed Javed

2. The above named and an invited guest be invited to attend a future meeting of the Council to participate in a ceremony during which the title will be conferred.