Agenda item

The Committee received a joint report of the Chamberlain and the Comptroller and City Solicitor regarding Freedom Applications and Convictions.

The Committee noted there were no means to assess whether potential applicants to the Freedom had criminal convictions, and discussion ensued on the discretion of the Committee in dealing with such cases. The Committee agreed that such applications should be considered on a case by case basis, and to operate with fairness and openness.

The Committee agreed that the Clerk to the Chamberlain’s Court would amend the Freedom application form to ask applicants whether they have been convicted, unspent, and if so, to provide future details. The Committee agreed that the Comptroller and City Solicitor would produce guidance to accompany the application form with regard to criminal convictions.

RESOLVED – That:-

1)    The Clerk to the Chamberlain’s Court amend the Freedom application form to include a section asking applicants whether they have been convicted, unspent, and if so, to provide future details; and

2)    The Comptroller and City Solicitor produce guidance to accompany the application form with regard to criminal convictions.