Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies.

Alderman Sir David Wootton declared an interest in item no. 12 as Master of the Guild of Freemen.

To note the Order of the Court of Common Council, 21 April 2016, appointing the Committee and approving its terms of reference.

The Order of the Court of Common Council of 21^st April 2016 appointing the Committee and approving its terms of reference was noted.

To elect a Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 29.

The Committee proceeded to elect a Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 29.  A list of Members eligible to stand was read and Alderman Sir David Wootton being the only Member expressing willingness to serve was duly elected Chairman for the ensuing year and took the Chair.

To agree the public minutes of the meeting held on 9 February 2016.

The public minutes of the meeting held on 9 February 2016 were approved.

Report of the Chamberlain.

The Committee considered a report of the Chamberlain reviewing the vetting procedure applicable to candidates for the Freedom.

Members acknowledged the Committee’s role in the vetting process and the enhanced checks carried out by the Chamberlain’s Court. Support was expressed for vetting to continue as it helped to mitigate some of the risks associated with the Freedom.

The Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee drew attention to comments made by a Member at a recent meeting of the Ceremonials Working Party where it was suggested that he had been delaying and blocking Freedom applications. It was a rumour which had spread amongst Members and which was not true. He neither had the power nor the wish to block applications. He noted that a number of candidates had been suggested for a Freedom by Special Nomination (FSN) but that they did not meet the agreed criteria for the receipt of that category of Freedom. However, this did not preclude the people concerned proceeding along the normal Freedom route. The Chairman of the Committee supported the explanation and advised that it was important to ensure that the correct message was conveyed to Members. It was also agreed that the guidance for Members on the Freedom should be recirculated to the Committee for information.

A Member questioned how the cost of hospitality for an FSN and Freedom by Redemption, where appropriate, were met. The Committee was advised that he provision of hospitality for an FSN was met from an appropriate City Corporation budget, such as the Remembrancer’s or the Chamberlain’s Court depending on the nature of the candidate nominated. If it was felt desirable to provide hospitality for a Freedom by Redemption then Chairmen would need to consider whether it was something that could be provided from their budget.

RESOLVED – That

There were no questions.

There were no urgent items.

MOTION - That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

MOTION - That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

Item Nos.                                                Paragraph(s) in Schedule 12A 

10 - 13                                                                      1 and 3 

Part 2 - Non-Public Agenda

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 9 February 2016.

The non-public minutes of the meeting held on 9 February 2016 were approved.

Joint report of the Chamberlain and the Comptroller and City Solicitor.

The Committee considered and agreed a report of the Chamberlain whether it was possible for an individual to receive the Freedom twice.

There were no questions.

There were no urgent items.

Part 3 – Non-Public Confidential Agenda

Report of the Chamberlain.

The Committee considered and agreed action on a report of the Chamberlain which analysed a list of individuals who made multiple nominations for admission to the Freedom.

Report of the Chamberlain.

The Committee considered and agreed a report of the Chamberlain submitting an updated list of potential recipients of a Freedom by Special Nomination.