The Council of Merton Council held a special meeting on Wednesday 13 September 2023. The primary items on the agenda were recommendations to confer the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough upon four individuals and the title of Honorary Alderwoman upon one former councillor.

Freedom of the Borough

The meeting was scheduled to consider recommendations for conferring the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough upon several individuals. This honour is bestowed in recognition of substantial contributions made to the Borough.

The report pack indicated that the council was recommended to agree to present Ivor Heller with a certificate conferring the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough. This honour was proposed in recognition of his work for AFC Wimbledon and his ongoing community contributions.

Additionally, a recommendation was made to admit Anthony Colman as a Freeman of the London Borough of Merton. This recognition was for his substantial contributions, including serving as Leader of the Council from 1991 to 1997.

The council was also scheduled to consider a recommendation to admit Harry Cowd as a Freeman of the London Borough of Merton. This honour was proposed in recognition of his significant contributions, including his service as Leader of the Council from 1980 to 1988.

Furthermore, a recommendation was put forward to admit the late Vincent Talbot as a Freeman of the London Borough of Merton. This honour was to recognise his substantial contribution as the first Council Leader of the newly formed Borough of Merton. Mr. Talbot had a long history of public service, serving as a councillor for the Merton and Morden Urban District Council and later for the London Borough of Merton, and also held the position of Mayor of Merton. He served as Council Leader from 1965 to 1971 and again from 1974 to 1975, and was made an Honorary Alderman in 1990.

The report pack also stated that Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires a resolution conferring the title of Honorary Freeperson to be passed by not less than two-thirds of the Members voting thereon.

Honorary Alderwoman

The council was also recommended to agree to present former Councillor Janice Howard with a certificate conferring the title of Honorary Alderwoman. This honour was proposed in recognition of her loyal and distinguished service to the Council over many years. Similar to the Honorary Freeman nominations, the conferral of this title requires a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the Members voting thereon, as per Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972.