Merton Council is preparing to grant the honorary title of Freeperson of the Borough to selected individuals, a decision that follows a recommendation from the Standards and General Purposes Committee.
The council's authority to bestow this honour is derived from section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by Section 29 of the Local Democracy Act 2009. This legislation allows the council to admit persons of distinction
as freemen or freewomen of the Borough.
The decision was reached during the committee's meeting on 18 September 2025, where members reviewed the report on the Nomination for Freeperson of the Borough Status. The Governance Standards and Audit Committee will recommend the nomination of individuals for Freeperson of the Borough status to the council for approval. The Governance Standards and Audit Committee shall report to a Special Meeting of the Council at a date to be determined and, should Council accept the nomination, will pass the resolution as required by Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972.
The names of the nominated individuals and their accomplishments are detailed within an exempt appendix to the report on the Nomination for Freeperson of the Borough Status. The names of the individuals nominated are detailed within the exempt appendix of the meeting's agenda and will be put forward to the council for final approval.
Other matters discussed at the Standards and General Purposes Committee meeting included corporate complaints, human resources, and gifts and hospitality.
