Hammersmith and Fulham Council Adopts New Freedom of the Borough Policy

Hammersmith and Fulham Council has adopted a new policy for granting the Freedom of the Borough, its highest civic honour. The policy, approved by the General Purpose Committee on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, outlines the criteria and nomination process for awarding this distinction, which is described as the council's highest civic distinction that can be bestowed upon individuals or collective bodies in recognition of outstanding service or particular civic association.

The Freedom of the Borough will be awarded to individuals who have rendered outstanding services or provided exceptional service to the borough. Serving council staff are not eligible for the honour.

Criteria for Outstanding Service:

Candidates must have demonstrated selfless service to improving the lives of those living, working, or studying in the borough, acting as a community champion. This can include excellence in fields such as voluntary work, business, education, politics, or sports, which has raised the profile of the borough nationally or internationally. Outstanding military service, promotion of community cohesion, and any contribution that stands out above others are also considered.

Nomination and Review Process:

Nominations are made by Group Whips to the Chief Executive, who will then review them and present recommendations to an Extraordinary Full Council meeting for approval. Prior to this meeting, the Chief Executive will inform nominees and request they complete a declaration form. If the form is signed and returned without adverse information, the nomination proceeds to Full Council.

Recipients will be required to complete a declaration form, disclosing any information that could potentially bring the council into disrepute or embarrassment, including criminal convictions. The policy also establishes a process for revoking the award.

Revocation of the Honour:

Beyond a confirmed criminal conviction, the Freedom of the Borough may be revoked if the recipient brings the Council into disrepute or is involved in an act that causes embarrassment to the Council. The procedure for revocation involves officers presenting a report to the General Purpose Committee, which will then pass a resolution to revoke the award. Full Council has delegated this authority to the committee. The individual will subsequently be removed from the roll of honour in the Town Hall.

Councillor Callum Nimmo, Chair of the General Purpose Committee, stated that the nomination process is designed to ensure that individuals are fit and proper, and that there is a mechanism to remove the honour if circumstances change. He clarified that historic spent convictions, such as a motor traffic offence from ten years ago, would not necessarily be an exclusion criterion. ¹