Protocol for determining whether the Freedom of the Borough should be conferred

The Chief Executive will convene a panel of each of the leaders of the political groups on the council (deputy leaders can substitute if their leader is unable to attend), with relevant officers to consider:

• whether the nomination meets the agreed criteria

• whether there is sufficient support for the matter to go on to the council for decision

• where there are several nominations which one, if any, should go forward to council for approval

Other than in exceptional circumstances, no more than one nominee will be taken forward annually and there is no obligation on the panel to approve any of the nominations if they do not feel the criteria is fully met. Any nomination which has been unsuccessful can be reconsidered after 12 months and may be put back before the panel by the relevant elected member who should recomplete the nomination process.