Aldermen/Alderwomen/Freemen/Freewomen of the Borough of Dartford
Section 249 Local Government Act 1972
Freedom of the Borough: The Council may admit to be Honorary Freeman or Honorary Freewoman, persons of distinction, and persons who have, in its opinion, rendered eminent services to the Borough of Dartford.
The Council may confer the title of Honorary Alderman or Honorary Alderwoman on persons who have, in its opinion, rendered eminent services to the Council as past members, but who are not then members of the Council.
Admittance as Honorary Freeman or Honorary Freewoman, and the title of Honorary Alderman or Honorary Alderwoman are honours 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, which have brought pride and satisfaction to the Borough.
An application for admittance as Honorary Freeman or Honorary Freewoman, or an application to confer the title of Honorary Alderman or Honorary Alderwoman is usually initiated through a third party e.g a discussion between the political groups on the Council and not applied for, by the individual seeking the admission or conferment.
Admittance as Honorary Freeman or Honorary Freewoman, and the title of Honorary Alderman or Honorary Alderwoman will be by resolution of the General Assembly of the Council, passed by not less than two-thirds of the members voting thereon at a meeting specially convened for that purpose, with notice.
Other than attendance at civic functions, the admittance as Honorary Freeman or Honorary Freewoman and the title of Honorary Alderman or Honorary Alderwoman do not convey any legal rights or responsibilities, such as attendance at Council meetings and an entitlement to an allowance.
A serving Coubcillor is not entitled to be addressed as alderman or alderwoman or to attend or take part in Council civic ceremonies as an alderman or alderwoman.
Recent recipients of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough
- 9 May 2005 - Miss Sue Jennings CBE
- 17 February 2020 - Patrick Francis Coleman
Recent recipients of the Honorary Alderman of the Borough
- 26 March 2012 - Terry CH Smith
- 23 April 2012 - Ivor Thomas Noel Jones DL