Issue - meetings

Report of the Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth is attached.

It was moved by Councillor O’Brien and seconded by Councillor M Smith and on being put, with 48 Members voting for, and 1 member abstaining; that, Council, approves:

·         both nominations be progressed and a ceremony to be arranged for January 2026

Report of the Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth is attached.

The Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth presented a report regarding nominations for Freedoms of the Borough, as agreed by Group Leaders at Democratic Arrangements Forum. The Leader briefly paid tribute to Councillor Joan Grimshaw, for her decades of service and breadth of the work and support she had provided, and to Keith and Helen Atkinson, who have done amazing things for Looked After Children in the borough for decades along with wider fostering support. It was noted that the ceremony would be held in January, subject to Council approval.

Decision:

Cabinet approved the nominations of Keith and Helen Atkinson and Councillor Joan Grimshaw for Council approval, and agreed that a ceremony be arranged for January 2026.

Reasons for the decision:

To recognise the nominees’ achievements as well as their exceptional service.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

None.