Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Leanne Brady, Peter Clark, Coleen De Freitas, Andy McGuinness and Graham Spencer.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider the following Motion of which notice has been given in accordance with Standing Orders:

‘That in accordance with the provisions of the Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, this Council confers the title of Honorary Alderman on Stephen Booth who has rendered many years eminent service as a Councillor including as Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group supporting education and lifelong learning and representing residents' concerns in the Chells Ward’

Council considered a Motion to confer the title of Alderman on Stephen Booth.

Councillor Julie Ashley-Wren in moving the motion paid tribute to Stephen Booth and spoke in support of conferring the title of Honorary Alderman on Stephen in recognition of his long-standing service to the Stevenage community.  Councillor Ashley-Wren advised that Stephen had represented both Chells and Longmeadow wards and requested that this be recognised.

Reference was also made to Stephen’s encouragement and support for young people throughout his public service, including his significant contribution to education through his role as a governor at Barnwell School from 1986 and as Chair of Governors from 1994, where he consistently placed the interests and wellbeing of students at the heart of decision-making.

Councillor Ashley-Wren stated that although he had stepped down as a councillor in May, she was sure that Stephen would continue to support the town in which he had lived for over 50 years.

Councillor Peter Wilkins formally seconded the Motion and endorsed the comments made by Councillor Ashley-Wren regarding Stephen Booth's contribution to the community and public service.  He advised that Stephen had been an exemplary councillor with a positive influence both within the community and across political parties. 

It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED that in accordance with the provisions of the Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, this Council confers the title of Honorary Alderman on Stephen Booth who has rendered many years eminent service as a Councillor including as Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group supporting education and lifelong learning and representing residents' concerns in the Longmeadow and Chells Wards.

To consider the following Motion of which notice has been given in accordance with Standing Orders:

‘That in accordance with the provisions of the Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, this Council confers the title of Honorary Alderman on Maureen McKay who has rendered many years eminent service as a Councillor including as Chair of the Licensing, General Purposes and Audit Committees and representing residents' concerns in the former Pin Green Ward’

Council considered a Motion to confer the title of Alderman on Maureen McKay.

Councillor Lin Martin-Haugh, in moving the motion, noted Maureen’s service as a councillor for Pin Green Ward and previously Martins Wood Ward. Councillor Martin-Haugh paid tribute to her dedication and commitment, recognising her hard work as a member of the Council and her continued contribution to the Labour Party.  It was further stated that Maureen remained active in local political and community affairs, demonstrating considerable energy and enthusiasm.

Councillor Claire Parris advised that she was honoured and privileged to formally second the motion for her friend Maureen McKay to become Alderman of the Borough.

It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED that in accordance with the provisions of the Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, this Council confers the title of Honorary Alderman on Maureen McKay who has rendered many years eminent service as a Councillor including as Chair of the Licensing, General Purposes and Audit Committees and representing residents' concerns in the former Pin Green Ward.

To consider the following Motion of which notice has been given in accordance with Standing Orders:

‘That in accordance with the provisions of the Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, this Council confers the title of Honorary Alderman on Margaret Notley, former long-serving Councillor for Woodfield Ward, a twice-serving Mayor of Stevenage, and a well-known local figure whose council service spanned several decades particularly in the Woodfield Ward.’

Council considered a Motion to confer the title of Alderman on Margaret Notley.

Councillor Phil Bibby in moving the motion noted Margaret’s more than 20 years of service to both the town and the Council.  Members heard that she had been a longstanding supporter and colleague to fellow councillors and had worked collaboratively across the years.  Tribute was paid to Margaret’s extensive community involvement, including her work with the Symonds Green Community Centre, her contribution to the Town Twinning Association, including visits to Kadoma at her own expense, and her role as Chair of the local Scout Group.  It was noted that Margaret’s commitment to Stevenage and its residents had been evident throughout her public service, and Councillor Bibby expressed wholehearted support for the motion.

Councillor Jackie Hollywell formally seconded the Motion and noted that, in addition to representing Woodfield Ward, Margaret had previously served as a councillor for Symonds Green Ward.  Councillor Hollywell spoke warmly of Margaret’s commitment to the local community and highlighted her involvement as Chair of the Community Association and her work with the local Scout Group.

It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED that in accordance with the provisions of the Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, this Council confers the title of Honorary Alderman on Margaret Notley, former long-serving Councillor for Woodfield Ward, a twice-serving Mayor of Stevenage, and a well-known local figure whose council service spanned several decades particularly in the Symonds Green and Woodfield Wards.

To consider the following Motion of which notice has been given in accordance with Standing Orders:

‘That in accordance with the provisions of the Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, this Council confers the title of Honorary Alderman on Jeannette Thomas who has rendered many years eminent service as a Councillor including as Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Housing as well as Resources and Performance representing residents' concerns in the Almond Hill and formally Pin Green Wards’

Council considered a Motion to confer the title of Alderman on Jeannette Thomas.

Councillor Richard Henry in moving the motion paid tribute to Jeannette Thomas and spoke in support of conferring the title of Honorary Alderman on her in recognition of her outstanding service to Stevenage.  It was noted that during her time on the Council, Jeannette had held a number of senior positions, including Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for a range of portfolios, including Community, Health, Older People, Housing and Housing Development, and Resources and Transformation.  Councillor Henry referred to Jeannette’s strong commitment to housing, community wellbeing and public service, noting her contribution to increasing the supply of affordable housing, supporting vulnerable residents and driving regeneration projects across the town.  He paid tribute to her leadership, knowledge of local government and dedication to the Council and its residents, and it was noted that her lengthy service had left a lasting legacy for both the authority and the communities she represented.

Councillor Tom Plater formally seconded the Motion and advised that it had been a pleasure to serve alongside Jeanette as a ward colleague over the previous two years.  He paid tribute to Jeannette’s dedication to public service and her steadfast advocacy on behalf of local residents.  Councillor Plater commended Jeannette’s contribution to the community and expressed his wholehearted support for the nomination.

It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED that in accordance with the provisions of the Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, this Council confers the title of Honorary Alderman on Jeannette Thomas who has rendered many years eminent service as a Councillor including as Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Housing as well as Resources and Performance representing residents' concerns in the Almond Hill and formally Pin Green Wards.