28/02/2023
Shouldn’t the people decide who gets an award!
Following last Friday's news of the proposed funding of Distinguished Service Awards by BMBC to elected members, we have today received the following e mail from Kevin Osborne at the Barnsley Labour Group...
Last week, at the full council meeting held on Thursday, 23 February, Barnsley Council approved the creation of a ‘Distinguished Service Award’ for Elected Members.
Following the meeting and after discussion with Labour Party members, councillors and others, Barnsley Labour Group has stepped forward to fund all future awards in this scheme, irrespective of the recipient’s party-political affiliation.
This funding will cover the purchase of a presentation medal and no public money will be spent on this award.
Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council said:
“This is incredibly generous from the Barnsley Labour Group, one which I know will touch many across the political spectrum in Barnsley and beyond. I am disappointed that some in the chamber have sought to make political capital out of the award. I would have preferred having cross party support on this, especially as the award recognises hard work, dedication, and endeavour irrespective of political affiliation.
One of the first potential recipients of the award will be my ward colleague Councillor Charlie Wraith MBE, who is stepping down from the council after nearly 50 years of continuous service, not only to the residents of Cudworth but the whole Barnsley borough. Charlie’s unselfish dedication is one that the electors of Cudworth have recognised for decades; to have Charlie be the first recipient of the Barnsley Council ‘Distinguished Service Award’ is the right thing to do.”
The award is designed to recognise a Barnsley Council Elected Member who has demonstrated a sustained and outstanding service during their period of office and celebrate the positive impact that they have made to both the Council and their local community.
Councillors are elected Members of Council with a democratic mandate from the local electorate. They are at the very heart of their communities, giving neighbourhoods a voice and making sure people are involved in the decisions that affect them. Local councillors serve their communities and can make a real difference in the lives of the people that live there.
The proposed criteria for receipt of the award is as follows: -
1 - A currently serving Councillor with 30 years or more continuous or collective service as an elected Member of Barnsley Metropolitan Council.
and
2 - The recipient has made a notable contribution to the Borough over a sustained period of time. This contribution might arise from: -
Active participation on council committees or in special interest or volunteer groups,
Serving on external bodies
Service given to the local community,
Other significant activity that has furthered the work of the Council, made a significant difference to residents, or enhanced the reputation of Barnsley
Group Leaders (or the Independent Member) will nominate an elected Member for consideration of a Distinguished Service Award.
Any nomination should include a citation that demonstrates how that person fulfils the criteria set out a paragraph. Nominations will be considered by a Panel to be chaired and convened by the Deputy Leader of the Council or a nominated representative.
The Panel will be composed of elected Members, and representation will be balanced to represent the political balance of the Council overall.
In the event of the Panel being unable to reach a consensus, then the decision will be taken by a majority vote. The Panel will be advised by the Chief Executive or their nominee.
There will be a one-off cost in purchasing a presentation medal at the time that the Council determines it wishes to make an award, at an estimated cost of £500-£1000. This cost will be met by the Barnsley Labour Group.
