Freedom of the Borough
By Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, a Borough may appoint Honorary Freemen of the Borough.
Basildon Council was awarded Borough status in July 2010 and received the Charter confirming it on 26 October 2010.
Freedom of the Borough
Freedom of the Borough is a high honour which will only be awarded in exceptional circumstances where the prospective recipient is an individual or organisation of distinction that has rendered eminent services to the Borough. They will have demonstrated outstanding achievements in the Borough and/or on the international stage which have brought pride and satisfaction to the Borough.
Serving Councillors shall not be eligible for nomination as Honorary Freeman. However, Aldermen shall be eligible.
In both cases, nominations may only be submitted by a serving Councillor. If the nomination proceeds to consideration by full Council, a resolution passed by not less than two thirds of Members voting at a specially convened meeting is required for the nomination to be successful.
The first recipient of the Freedom of the Borough was the Royal Anglian Regiment in April 2011.
October 2021 - East of England Ambulance Service awarded 'Freedom of Entry to the Borough'
At a meeting of Extraordinary Council on Thursday 21 October, councillors agreed to bestow the Freedom of Entry to the Borough status onto the following organisation in recognition of the heroic service they have provided to the borough during the COVID19 pandemic, and for being responsible for saving countless lives as a result of their dedication and care:
- East of England Ambulance Service
May 2021 - NHS organisations awarded 'Freedom of Entry to the Borough'
At a meeting of Extraordinary Council on Thursday 27 May, councillors agreed to bestow the Freedom of Entry to the Borough status onto the following NHS organisations in recognition of the heroic service these organisations, and the many other providers that work with them, have provided to the borough during the COVID19 pandemic, and for being responsible for saving countless lives as a result of their dedication and care:
- Basildon & Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group
- Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
- North East London NHS Foundation Trust
- Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
| Name | Date |
|---|---|
| Don Sheppard | September 2019 |
| Trudy Westmore-Cox MBE | September 2019 |
| Mr Max Whitlock | February 2016 |
| Mr Stuart Bingham | February 2016 |
| Royal Anglian Regiment | April 2011 |
Privileges
The names of Honorary Freemen and organisations awarded Freedom of Entry to the Borough will be displayed on boards at the Council Offices. Honorary Freemen may attend and take part in such civic receptions and functions to which all Members of the Council are invited. However, Freemen shall not have the right, as such, to attend meetings of the Council or a Committee, or to receive any such allowances or payments to which Councillors are entitled.
Freedom of Entry to the Borough entitles a military unit to march through the streets of the Borough with bayonets fixed, drums beating and Colours flying.