Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Lead Member for Governance.

The Committee considered a report by the Lead Member for Governance on the future use of armorial bearings and chains of office, and provides an outline of other civic functions for Dorset Council.

The Governance Working Group at their meeting on the 31 October 2018 supported the recommendations.  The work of the Group and officers was commended.

One member reported on the Market Charter for Dorchester, citing the current arrangements to assist Dorset Council in relation to its market in the town. It was noted that there were ongoing discussions regarding lead responsibility and that this may need to considered in due course by the Committee. 

A request was made to share the civic functions decisions with each sovereign councils to ensure transparency on matters such as freedoms of particular areas of Dorset.  It was confirmed that officers would take this forward.

Decisions

1. That transfer of existing armorial bearings used by Dorset County Council to Dorset Council be confirmed and approves the making of an application to the College of Heralds.

2. That the existing Dorset County Council Chairman’s chain of office be modified to serve as the chain of office for Dorset Council.

3. That all other sovereign councils’ chains of office, insignia including flags, and memorabilia be transferred to the History Centre for safe keeping, or sovereign

councils be allowed to enter into arrangements with successor town councils or local museums e.g. Priest House Museum in Wimborne, to enable former insignia to be put on public display as part of Dorset’s substantial heritage.

4. Confirms that there will be no Chairman’s transport provided by Dorset Council.

5. That Dorset Council will require a new Chairman’s Board and that existing Boards shall either remain in situ or be transferred to the History Centre.

6. That the position regarding existing charter rights be noted.

7. That the position regarding the Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff, Honorary Aldermen and women, and Freedom of the Borough or District be noted.

8. That the decision on whether or not to commission a new council flag be left as a decision for Dorset Council to be taken after 1 April 2019.

Reasons for Decisions

1. To preserve the validity of existing armorial bearings after 1st April 2019 and to avoid those which could be transferred to Dorset Council from falling into abeyance.

2. To ensure that the new council’s chairman would be invested with a suitable chain of office on the occasion of their appointment at the first full council meeting of Dorset Council.

3. To provide clarification around a range of issues to allow Civic Support Officers to plan for Vesting Day.