1. Purpose of the report and policy context

1.1 This report asks the Council to consider conferring the honour and title of Honorary Alderman or Honorary Alderwoman of Brighton & Hove to former councillors in recognition of their exceptional service to the Council:

2. Recommendations

2.1 That the Council admits the following former Councillors to be Honorary Aldermen or Alderwomen of Brighton & Hove.

· Dawn Barnett: 2007 – 2023

· Tony Janio: 2007 – 2023

· Leo Littman: 2011 – 2023

· Phelim Mac Cafferty: 2011 – 2023

· Mary Mears: 2003 – 2023

· Alex Phillips: 2009 – 2023

· Dee Simson: 2003 – 2023

3. Context and background information

3.1 In recognition of eminent past services, a Council may, at a meeting specially convened for that purpose, choose to confer the title of Honorary Alderman/Alderwoman. A majority of two-thirds of the Members present and voting at such a meeting is required.

3.2 The title is an honorary one and does not confer on the holder any rights or renumeration. The conferring of the title is regarded as a mark of recognition for the work and commitment given by a former councillor to the authority, their ward and the city. The Council may choose to invite Aldermen or Alderwomen to civic engagements.

3.3 Should the holder of such a title become a councillor in future then the title would be suspended.

3.4 The agreed process for nominations for Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen is set out below:

Qualification for nomination applies to those Members who:

a) have served on Brighton & Hove City Council, (with service on the constituent authorities also being taken into account), and

b) have a period of at least 15 years’ service, or

c) have a period of at least 12 years and notable service such as Chair of a Committee.

4. Analysis and consideration of alternative options

4.1 The contribution of the former Councillors named above is considered to render each of them eligible in principle for the titles of Honorary Aldermen and Honorary Alderwomen.

5. Community engagement and consultation

5.1 Group Leaders have been consulted about the proposed admission of those named to be conferred as an Honorary Aldermen/Alderwomen.

6. Conclusion

6.1 It is recommended that those named in the report receive the title on the basis of their contributions and in accordance with the agreed process.

7. Financial implications

7.1 No direct financial implications arise from the recommendation in this report. Any costs as a result of the specially convened meeting will be met from within existing budgets.

Name of finance officer consulted: Ishemupenyu Chagonda Date consulted 05/07/23

8. Legal implications

8.1 Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 empowers the Council to admit as Honorary Aldermen or Alderwomen of Brighton and Hove either persons of distinction or persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the City as past members of the Council, and who are no longer members. The award of this title may only be made by a resolution passed by no less than two-thirds of those Members present and voting at a meeting of the Council which has been specially convened for the purpose.