To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of

·         Councillor Bex White

Apologies for lateness were received on behalf of

·         Councillor Faroque Ahmed

·         Councillor Rabina Khan

To note any declarations of interest made by Members, including those restricting Members from voting on the questions detailed in Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992.  See attached note from the Monitoring Officer.

There were no declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests.

Council to consider the report of the Freedom of the Borough Panel proposing Commander John Ludgate be awarded the Freedom of the Borough.

The Speaker of the Council invited Members to consider the report of the Freedom of the Borough Panel proposing that Commander John Ludgate be awarded the Freedom of the Borough.

The Speaker explained that the Freedom of the Borough was the highest honour or recognition that a Council could bestow on an individual in recognition of their outstanding achievements.  The Freedom had not been awarded for almost twenty years.

The Speaker stated that she was very pleased to have chaired the cross party Freedom of the Borough Panel that assessed the nominations for the award. At the Panel meetings, there was a unanimous consensus of Panel members to propose Commander John Ludgate for the award.

The Speaker reported that Commander Ludgate  served Tower Hamlets in his deputy lieutenant role, in a voluntary capacity for 22 years until his retirement in 2014.  His duties included overseeing royal visits in the borough, advising the Mayor, Speaker and Councillors on protocol and validating awards. He was passionate about protecting and serving communities, youth education and supporting young people in the uniformed services.

John had gained the respect and admiration of many colleagues at Tower Hamlets due to his service to the community. It was for this reason, that the Freedom of the Borough Panel had invited him to be considered for this very rare honour.

The Speaker invited Members to address the meeting.

The Mayor, John Biggs, thanked Commander Ludgate for his services to the community and his significant contribution to the borough over many years. He stated that he had performed his duties with great distinction going beyond the call of duty to strengthen community relations and build on links with Bangladesh.

Councillor Peter Golds also congratulated Commander Ludgate. Councillor Golds stated that he had been a great ambassador for the borough. He also praised his dedication, his relentless enthusiasm and involvement in community activities and his pride in the borough.

Councillor Abdal Ullah paid tribute to Commander Ludgate. In particular, he acknowledged his continued support for youth organisations, including the local cadets and the Youth Council as well as his support for the Bangladeshi community.

Councillors Denise Jones, Motin Uz-Zaman and Abdul Mukit MBE also spoke in support of the nomination. As former Speakers/ceremonial Mayors’ of the Council, they expressed gratitude to Commander Ludgate for the help and support he had personally given them in preparing for and carrying out their duties.

Former Councillor and Speaker of the Councillor, Lesley Pavitt also congratulated  Commander Ludgate and echoed the above points.

The recommendation was put to the vote and was unanimously agreed. Accordingly it was:

RESOLVED

1.         That Commander John Ludgate be awarded the Freedom of the Borough.

Commander John Ludgate was then presented with the certificate and signed the Freedom of the Borough book.

At the invitation of the Speaker of the Council, Commander Ludgate addressed the meeting. He stated that it was a real honour and privilege to receive this award and to join the select number  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.