Report for:
ACTION
Item Number:
6
Contains Confidential
or Exempt Information
NO
Title
Responsible Officer
Author
Portfolio(s)
Freedom of Entry – 562 Transport Squadron, Territorial Army
Helen Harris, Director of Legal & Democratic Services
Mark Howlett, Mayor’s Secretary
Deputy Leader
Cabinet Portfolio for Community Services and Safety
Freedom of the Borough Committee
5th November 2012
Not applicable
For Consideration By
Date to be Considered
Implementation Date if
Not Called In
Affected Wards
Keywords/Index
All
Purpose of Report:
The Freedom of the Borough Committee is asked to consider granting ‘Freedom of
Entry’ to 562 Transport Squadron, Territorial Army.
1. Recommendations
That the committee consider whether or not to recommend to full council that
‘Freedom of Entry’ (FoE) status be granted to 562 Transport Squadron, Territorial
Army.
2. Reason for Decision and Options Considered
562 Transport Squadron, Territorial Army was granted ‘Freedom of Entry’ status
by Hillingdon Council on 3rd October 1970. Since that time there have been
various borough boundary changes and the TA headquarters in Southall now
come within Ealing’s area. Consequently 562 Transport Squadron has now made
the request for FoE status to Ealing Council.
3. Key Implications
FoE has been granted by a number of authorities to service units which have
rendered conspicuous service and which are closely associated with that authority.
FoE means that a military group have the right to march through the streets with
bayonets fixed, drums beating and Colours flying. Boroughs with connection to the
military such as Windsor and Maidenhead have granted several FoE over the
years. In order to confer FoE, the Council must pass an appropriate resolution at a
special Council meeting.
4. Financial
a) Financial impact on the budget
If agreed it is anticipated that the following costs would be incurred:
FoB Committee meeting to consider the proposal (printing of agenda, room
booking, committee clerk’s time in producing agenda, minutes, correspondence,
etc). Cost already incurred : £500.
Production of programme, scroll and associated staff costs £1,000.
Special Council meeting to pass resolution (printing of agenda, room booking,
committee clerk’s time in producing agenda, minutes, correspondence, etc) £500.
Estimated total cost of £2,000 can be met from a small underspend in the Member
Services budget.
It is not anticipated that FoB designation will result in any cost impact for future
years.
b) Financial background
Costs will need to be met within existing Member Services budgets so it is
essential that expenditure is kept to a minimum.
5. Legal
The Council’s powers regarding Honorary Aldermen and Freemen are contained in
section 249 and schedule 28A of the Local government Act 1972. An appropriate
resolution must be passed at a special Council Meeting.
6. Value For Money
Estimated costs are stated above and, it needs to be empathised that, having
regard to the fact that no budget exists for either of these events, members will
need to keep expenditure to a reasonable level.
7. Sustainability Impact Appraisal
None.
8. Risk Management
No issues.
9. Community Safety
No issues.
10. Links to the 5 Priorities for the Borough
There are no clear links although the Council has also recently signed the Armed
Forces Community Covenant for which regard should be given.
11. Equalities, Human Rights and Community Cohesion
No issues.
12. Staffing/Workforce and Accommodation implications:
None.
13. Property and Assets
No issues.
14. Any other implications:
562 Transport Squadron plays a major role in the annual Ealing Remembrance
Service, both with the organisation and also the day itself when they lead the
parade and organise the other military and non-military units.
15. Consultation
The Freedom of the Borough Committee will consider this special report. If it is
decided to recommend that Freedom of Entry is to be granted an appropriate
report will be made to Full Council.
16. Timetable for Implementation
Report to Freedom of the Borough
Committee for consideration
6th November 2012
Special Council Meeting to confer
Freedom of Entry (if appropriate)
11th December 2012
17. Appendices
None.
18. Background Information
All relevant details are contained within this report.
Local Government Act 1972
(http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1972/70/contents )
Ealing Council minute reference 1420/69 (Freedom of the Borough Committee)
Consultation
Name of
consultee
Internal
Post held
Date
sent to
consultee
Date
response
received
Comments
appear in
paragraph:
Helen Harris
Richard Costello
Councillor Dheer
Director of Legal &
Democratic Services
Finance Officer, Corporate
Resources
Chairman of the Freedom
of the Borough Committee
Report History
Decision type:
Non-key decision
Report no.:
Urgency item?
No
Mark Howlett, Mayor’s Secretary x8630