Special Merton Full Council 5 September 2022

Item

1.Apologies for absence

2.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest

3. Freedom of the Borough

HONORARY FREEDOM OF THE BOROUGH

Council is recommended to agree to present the person named below with a certificate conferring upon them the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough affixed with the common seal of the Council.

The motion to be duly moved and seconded is:

That, by virtue of the power vested in it by Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council does admit Mark Allison as Freeman of the London Borough of Merton.

This honour is bestowed on Mark Allison in recognition of the substantial contribution he made to the Borough as a Councillor since his election to the Council in 2002, including serving as Leader of the Council from 2020 – 2022 and Deputy Leader from 2014-2020.

Mark held many positions on the Council and made a substantial contribution to the borough, especially in enhancing businesses, economic growth and prosperity, and in protecting those who are more vulnerable and on low incomes. Mark also played an important role in supporting charities in the Borough. As Cabinet Member for Finance, Mark oversaw the management of the Borough’s finances for over ten years. Mark also ensured all Council staff were paid the living wage and introduced bereavement leave for staff who miscarry.

Note by Chief Executive: Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires a resolution conferring the title of Honorary Freeperson to be passed by not less than two thirds of the Members voting thereon.

4.Freedom of the Borough

HONORARY FREEDOM OF THE BOROUGH

Council is recommended to agree to present the person named below with a certificate conferring upon them the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough affixed with the common seal of the Council.

The motion to be duly moved and seconded is:

That, by virtue of the power vested in it by Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council does admit David Tyrie Williams MBE JP as Freeman of the London Borough of Merton.

This honour is bestowed on David Tyrie Williams MBE JP in recognition of the exceptional contribution he made to the Borough as a Councillor in over 45 cumulative years of service since his first election to the Council in 1974, including serving as Leader of the Council from 2006 – 2010, the Mayor of Merton in 2012/13, Deputy Mayor 1981/82, Leader of the Opposition 1999-2006 and his extensive civic service.

David has held a number of posts and senior positions on the Council throughout his time as a Councillor and has chaired various Committees and Boards.

David has also served the Borough in many other ways, including having been a School Governor at various levels for over 50 years, a member of the Endeavour Youth Club Management Committee in Morden for 35 years and a member of Merton Deanery Synod for 16 years. David has also served as a magistrate in Merton since 1986 and in 2019 received an MBE for Political Service in Local Government.

Note by Chief Executive: Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires a resolution conferring the title of Honorary Freeperson to be passed by not less than two thirds of the Members voting thereon.

5. Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen

Council is recommended to agree to present former Councillors Mark Allison, David Williams MBE JP, David Chung, David Dean, John Dehaney, Nick Draper, James Holmes, Russell Makin, Oonagh Moulton, David Simpson CBE, Peter Southgate and Geraldine Stanford respectively with a certificate conferring on them the title of Honorary Alderman/woman duly affixed with the common seal of the Council.

The motions to be moved and seconded are:

1) ‘That former Councillor Mark Allison is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’ (motion to be taken during agenda Item 3).

2) ‘That former Councillor David Williams MBE JP is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’ (motion to be taken during agenda Item 4).

3) ‘That former Councillor David Chung is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’

4) ‘That former Councillor David Dean is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’

5) ‘That former Councillor John Dehaney is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’

6) ‘That former Councillor Nick Draper is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’

7) ‘That former Councillor James Holmes is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’

8) ‘That former Councillor Russell Makin is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’

9) ‘That former Councillor Oonagh Moulton is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderwoman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of her loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’

10) ‘That former Councillor David Simpson CBE is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’

11) That former Councillor Peter Southgate is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of his loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’

12) That former Councillor Geraldine Stanford is conferred with the title of Honorary Alderwoman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of her loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years.’