The Worshipful the Mayor of Torbay advised that, as the meeting was being held remotely via Zoom during the Corona Virus pandemic, the meeting would follow the Remote Meeting Standing Orders with all voting being taken by roll call throughout the meeting.

The meeting was then opened with a prayer.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Dudley, Howgate and Morey.

To receive the Civic Committee’s recommendations and to resolve to exercise the powers conferred by Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 to admit Mr Dave Barnett and Mrs Dawn Barnett to become Honorary Freemen of the Borough of Torbay in recognition and appreciation of their significant contribution towards the lives of numerous children within Torbay as foster carers.

The Council received a recommendation, as set out in the minutes of the Civic Committee meeting held on 18 January 2021, in relation to a nomination for Honorary Freeman.

Councillor Amil proposed and Councillor Law seconded a motion, which was agreed (unanimously) by the Council as set out below:

That, in accordance with the minutes of the Civic Committee of 18 January 2021, in exercise of the powers, conferred by Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, Mr Dave Barnett and Mrs Dawn Barnett be admitted as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Torbay in recognition and appreciation of their significant contribution towards the lives of numerous children within Torbay as foster carers.

Members were advised that due to the Covid-19 pandemic the Council was unable to enact the formal Conferment of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough at this time.  The formal Conferment would take place once the restrictions on large gatherings were lifted.