BRINDLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2025
AT THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT,
MOUNT ROAD, ETCHING HILL, RUGELEY

PRESENT: Parish Councillors:

R. Turville (Vice Chairman)
D. Cotton
M. Sutherland
A. Pearson
Mrs M. A. Turville
Mrs S. Pearson

IN ATTENDANCE: Mrs T. Williams (Clerk)

1. APOLOGIES
Councillor Paul Adams (who was not present at the meeting).

2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

Member
None Interest
Type

3. HONORARY FREEMAN OF THE PARISH OF BRINDLEY HEATH
The Parish Council discussed the Council’s power to award the status ‘Honorary Freeman of the Parish’ under the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, permitting parish councils to confer Honorary Freeman of the Parish.

Legal Topic Note LTN 12 dated March 2013 entitled ‘Honorary Titles and Officers of Dignity’ detailing the legal position as documented by the National Association of Local Councils, had previously been issued to Councillors.

From 12 January 2010, all local councils were given the power to confer the title of ‘honorary freeman’ or ‘honorary freewoman’ to persons of distinction and those who, in the council’s opinion, have rendered eminent services to the Council’s area (Section 249(5) and (6) of the Local Government Act 1972). The admission of an honorary freeman/freewoman must be by resolution made at a meeting of the full council specially convened for such purpose and passed by no less than two thirds of the members of the council. That section also required notice of the object of the meeting to be given. This confirms the need for the agenda with the public notice and summons to members in respect of the council meeting to itemise a motion to confer the title of honorary freeman.

Resolved: To introduce the status of Honorary Freeman of the Parish of Brindley Heath.

4. THE ARRANGEMENTS
Resolved: That the Honorary Freeman be presented with a framed certificate at the next parish meeting on 27 January 2026 at The Church of the Holy Spirit, Mount Road, Etching Hill (subject to no unforeseen difficulties with the date, whereby the presentation will be held as soon as practicable).

Resolved: That the Clerk be given authority to make appropriate purchases at reasonable cost to allow the marking of the award which will include a certificate, frame and flowers.

5. THE ADMISSION OF HONORARY FREEMAN
Following a discussion, it was unanimously resolved to:

Award the status of Honorary Freeman upon Councillor Paul Michael Adams, Chairman of Brindley Heath Parish Council, for the valuable and devoted services rendered to the Council and the Brindley Heath Parish for more than 47 years. During that time, he has steadfastly served as Parish Councillor and Chairman.

It was noted that Councillor Adams had previously indicated his consent to accept this honour in recognition of his service to the Parish.