Agenda item

Charter Trustees considered a report of the Clerk to Charter Trustees that provided information of a request from the RAF for the consideration of granting the Freedom of the City (for copy see file of minutes).

Councillor Hovvels was in support of granting the Freedom of the City to the 607 squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. As veteran champion for the County, she explained that work had been undertaken around the covenant that had been signed by all forces that would also promote the City of Durham and bring economic benefits. She added that celebrating the event would send a positive message to families in County Durham and promote community cohesion.

Councillor Hopgood fully supported the request and emphasised that it be agreed as Charter Trustees and not as County Councillors as it was a Durham City event and not to be taken over as a County Council event.

Councillor Hovvels explained that she asked for the request to be considered by Charter Trustees as it was appropriated in terms of city heritage and connections with the forces. She also felt it was important to attract people from outside the area to attend events in Durham City.

Councillor Tinsley commented that the County Council do not have the authority and it was the Charter Trustees remit to bestow Freedom of the City requests.

Councillor Blakey added that partnership working would have to be undertaken with the County Council with regards to road closures and agreed with the recommendations to call a special meeting.

Councillor E Bell supported the recommendation and commented that extra expenditure be included in next years budget as there would be additional expenses involved in staging such an event.

Members felt it was fitting to commemorate the people that fought with great honour who served in the 607 Auxiliary Squadron.  It was acknowledged that the people who served in the County Durham Regiment would have come from all areas of County Durham and Councillor Hovvels was thanked for recommending that Charter Trustees consider granting Freedom of the City to the RAF.

Resolved:

(i)       That the information contained in the report be noted;

(ii)      That a special meeting be convened to decide if the Freedom of the City request be granted.