Freedom of the Borough
The Freedom of the Borough is the highest award that the Council can bestow.
By Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council may admit "persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the borough," as an Honorary Freeman or Freewoman.
The award of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough does not convey with it any legal rights or responsibilities, other than a ceremonial role at civic functions. The award dates back to the middle ages when Freemen had commercial privileges and a route into a position of power in a town or city.
Associated with the “Freedom of the Borough” is the “Freedom of Entry” which the Council may award to service units which have rendered conspicuous service, and which are closely associated with the Borough. The Freedom of Entry grants the service unit and any successor units, the right, privilege, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of the Borough of Sefton on all ceremonial occasions with colours flying, bands playing, drums beating and bayonets fixed.
Honorary Freedom of the Borough:
The following persons and organisations have received the Freedom of the Borough:
Donald “Ginger” McCain - 22 June 2004 (Resolution of Council - 29 April 2004)
James Carragher - 23 January 2006 (Resolution of Council - 30 June 2005)
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust; and
Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust - All four NHS Trusts were awarded the Freedom of the Borough on 26 January 2023 (Resolution of Council – 26 January 2023)
Alex Greenwood - 19th October 2023 (Resolution of Council - 19 October 2023)
Freedom of Entry:
The following Armed Forces Service Units have been awarded the Freedom of the Borough and may exercise their Freedom of Entry on ceremonial occasions:
238 (Sefton) Squadron, 156 (North West) Transport Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps (Volunteers) – 13 April 2002 (Resolution of Council -20 September 2001)
(This was previously No. 238 (Sefton) Squadron, 156 Regiment, Royal Corps of Transport – 6 March 1982 (Resolution of Council – 7 October 1981)
RAF Woodvale – 3 July 2011 (Resolution of Council -17 May 2011)
The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment – 20 June 2017 (Resolution of Council – 20 June 2017)
HMS Mersey – 13 April 2023 (Resolution of Council – 13 April 2023)