Agenda item

Honorary Aldermen - Recognition - Report of the Clerk to Charter Trustees

Minutes:

Charter Trustees considered a report of the Clerk detailing discussions of the sub group regarding eligibility of Honorary Aldermen to take part in ceremonial events (for copy see file of minutes).

 

The Clerk reminded the sub group of the previous Charter Trustees decisions from June and October 2015 where it was agreed in principle to invite past Mayors to attend ceremonial events and wear black and silver trimmed robes. The Honorary Alderman who had served as past Charter Trustees would be invited to ceremonial events and wear red robes. The sub group proposed a slight refinement to the second point to reflect the number of years served on a previous Durham City ward.

 

Councillor Hopgood commented that Charter Trustees were appointed as they represent wards from the former Durham City area and 3 Councillors were appointed as they received the highest number of votes from the Trimdon and Thornley, Willington and Hunwick and Esh and Witton Gilbert wards. She explained that all Councillors representing those wards would be eligible to take part in ceremonial events after they had served 14 years as they all represent the people of the City, not just the 3 Councillors who were appointed as Charter Trustees. Councillor Hopgood also mentioned that the Leader of the Council could appoint 3 additional members as Charter Trustees representing the wider area who do not represent a Durham City ward.

 

Councillor Turnbull felt that the main issue was the proposed people listed to be considered, as 3 out of the 4 former Councillors had never been part of the Durham City area and had never contributed towards the City council tax. He commented that residents in his area would be unhappy paying towards an organisation for other people out of the area to benefit.

 

Councillor Hopgood explained that previously Councillors would have served 16 year’s service to be considered Honorary Alderman, however, it was reduced to 14 years as the City Council was abolished 2 years before the end of the elected term. The decision was made to reduce to 14 years’ service to ensure those Councillors who would have served the natural term would not miss out on Alderman status.

 

The Clerk clarified that from the 4 former Councillors proposed in the previous report, only former Councillor Nigel Martin would qualify, having 14 years service representing a Durham City Ward.

 

Referred to a request at last meeting for the sub group to consider any additional costs, the Clerk advised that no additional cost would be incurred as there were enough red robes in storage.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Kellett regarding storage of the robes, the Clerk explained that the robes were well protected and individual covers would be an added expense.

 

Councillor Turnbull moved and Councillor Simmons seconded to agree the recommendations of the sub group.

 

Resolved:

That Honorary Aldermen who had served 14 years representing an old Durham City area (as it was defined at cessation in 2009) be eligible to take part in ceremonial events and wear red robes.

 

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