Apologies for absence were received from Councillors N Begy, T Carr, K Payne, T Smith, A West, D Wilby and H Zollinger-Ball.

The Chairman confirmed he would be providing a full set of announcements at the next ordinary meeting of Council, but paid tribute to former Councillor Barrie Roper who had recently passed away, Councillor Roper had represented Ketton on this Council from 1999 through to stepping down in 2015, in which time he served on a number of bodies including across the Scrutiny function as both a Committee Member, and Chair of Committees including the Scrutiny Commission.

There were no announcements from the Leader, Members of the Cabinet or the Head of Paid Service.

In accordance with the Regulations, Members are invited to declare any disclosable interests under the Code of Conduct and the nature of those interests in respect of items on this Agenda and/or indicate if Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive any petitions, deputations or questions received from members of the public in accordance with the provisions of Procedures Rule 25 and 26.

As this is a Special Meeting of the Council any petitions, deputations and questions must relate to item on the agenda in accordance with Procedure Rule 21.

No petitions, deputations or questions had been received form the public. 

To receive any questions submitted from Members of the Council in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rules 27 and 28.

As this is a Special Meeting of the Council any questions must relate to item on the agenda in accordance with Procedure Rule 21.

No questions had been received from Members of the Council.

To receive Report No. 169/2023 from the Chief Executive.

Report No. 169/2023 was received from the Chief Executive. The Chairman outlined the role of Honorary Alderman, which was a title conferred upon former Councillors recognition of exemplary achievements during a period of long service. Two nominations had been received for the title of Honorary Alderman to be conferred upon former Councillors Kenneth Bool and Jeff Dale, both of whom had stepped down from the Council at the elections to the Council in May 2023 following 20 years continuous service.

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Councillor P Browne entered the meeting at 19:14

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Members spoke in support of conferring the title of Honorary Alderman on Mr Bool, citing his years of service across the Council and in particular his 6 years of service as Chairman of the Council where he had ensured Council debates were of the highest quality whilst always being mindful of the needs of residents. Mr Bool was also noted for his many years as the Council’s representative on the Combined Fire Authority where he had been considered to always represent Rutland’s interests whilst ensuring services across all areas were of the highest quality.

Members also spoke in support of conferring the title of Honorary Alderman on Mr Dale, citing his service across many Council Committees and bodies as a backbencher and committee chair before serving two years as Chairman. It was noted Mr Dale had always taken a strong independent approach to this Council work whilst also working together with Members of all political affiliations and none. In addition, it was noted that Mr Dale had dedicated countless hours to voluntary and charitable endeavours outside of the Council raising money for local charities and primary schools.

It was moved by Councillor G Waller and seconded that the recommendations of Report No. 169/2023 be approved. Upon being put to the vote, with 21 votes in favour the motion was unanimously carried.

RESOLVED

That Council:

a)    CONFERED upon Mr Kenneth Bool the title of Honorary Alderman of the County of Rutland.

b)    CONFERED upon Mr Jeff Dale the title of Honorary Alderman of the County of Rutland.

c)     INSTRUCTED the Chief Executive to arrange for Mr Bool and Mr Dale’s names to be placed on a Roll of Honorary Alderman.

The Chairman congratulated Aldermen Bool and Dale on their appointment and after presenting them with their honorary scrolls invited both to address Council.

Alderman Bool thanked Members for honouring him and spoke of his immense privilege he felt to have the title of Honorary Alderman conferred on him. Alderman Bool spoke fondly of his time working with Members on all sides throughout his time on the Council and spoke of the importance of Members not only coming together, but also keeping and working together.

Alderman Dale thanked Members for honouring him. Alderman Dale cited the importance of the Council in the everyday lives of all residents and the equally important role that Councillors played within the Council alongside officers and Parish Councils’ in caring about the needs  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Monday, 26 February 2023.

This was noted to be Monday, 26 February.