Honorary Freeman

Freeman Investiture

At a special meeting convened of the Town Council, three retired Councillors and one former Officer of the Charter Trustees were installed as Honorary Freemen of the Town in recognition of their services to Kidderminster.

Over 100 guests watched the four Freemen admitted into the prestigious office at Kidderminster Town Hall. Traditionally, the title of Honorary Freeman is given to a person or persons who are deemed to have served the Town with distinction.

Mrs Anne Hingley and Mr Mike Kelly were honoured for their long and dedicated service to Kidderminster and their key roles in attaining parish status in 2015; Mr Jeff Baker was honoured for his long service as a town and district councillor and Mr Keith Bannister was honoured for his 46 years in a senior finance role serving various councils governing Kidderminster.

Councillor Juliet Smith, Mayor of Kidderminster, said: “It was a privilege to bestow the honour of Freemen of Kidderminster to such distinguished and dedicated people. I thank them for their support and outstanding contribution to the Town of Kidderminster.”

What is the Freeman Status?

Introduction

A Freeman is a traditional status that historically conferred specific rights within a town or city, such as trading privileges or exemption from tolls. In some areas, this title is still granted today through inheritance, or membership in a recognised Guild etc. While now largely ceremonial, it continues to hold historical and cultural significance.

An Honorary Freeman conferred under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, allows the Council to formally recognise individuals for exceptional service or contribution to the local community. The Act permits this honour to be awarded to:

(a) persons of distinction, and
(b) persons who, in the opinion of the authority, have rendered eminent services to the place or its people.

This title is entirely honorary and does not carry any of the legal rights associated with the status of Freeman.

In keeping with the special nature of the award it shall be strictly limited to residents from any walk of life who have made a very significant voluntary contribution to Kidderminster and who have demonstrated “service above self”, or a significant national contribution relative to Kidderminster.

Therefore, awards shall be granted on a case by case basis.

Freeman Nominations

Procedure

1. Notification to CCE Manager
   Any registered voter in Kidderminster wishing to propose an individual for the title of Honorary Freeman must first inform the Civic, Community and (CCE) Manager, by completing the relevant nomination form
2. Agenda Inclusion
   The CCE Manager will arrange for the proposal to be included as an agenda item for discussion at the next appropriate meeting of the CCE committee
3. Assessment of Merits
   The committee will consider the merits of the nomination, taking into account the individual’s contribution to the town and community

Post-Nomination

1. Committee Recommendation
   If the committee supports the nomination, a formal recommendation will be made to Full Council. The Committee’s decision in this matter will be final.
2. Decision by Full Council
   The Full Council will convene a meeting to consider the recommendation. Approval of the award requires support of two thirds of those voting at the meeting. (Local Government Act, 1972, S. 249(8)).

The Council’s decision in this matter will be final.

This protocol shall be reviewed by the CCE committee at the start of each municipal year following local elections.