Decision details

As a direct response to the unprecedented events caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic, this report proposes an alternative to the annual Citizen and Young Citizen of Honour Awards for 2021.

Established in 1996, the Citizen and Young Citizen of Honour Awards have honoured 107 residents of the Borough over the past 23 years with nominations being received from all areas of Fareham.

With regard to last year’s awards, (2020), a decision was taken by the Executive to reduce the number of winners to just one for each of the two categories.  This was due to the closure of Ferneham Hall, which is usually used for the annual Mayor Making ceremony each year, including the Citizen of Honour awards, and the intention to hold the event in a smaller venue.  To date the Mayor Making ceremony has not been able to take place due to Covid-19 restrictions, and the two winners for 2020 have yet to receive their awards.

It is proposed that, when current Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed and small groups of people are allowed to meet, a small reception is held with the Mayor within the Civic Offices for the two 2020 Citizen of Honour winners and a guest to receive their awards.

For 2021, in order to recognise the people and businesses who have played a key role in the Borough’s response to the pandemic, it is proposed that the Council replaces the Citizen of Honour and Young Citizen of Honour Awards, for one year only, with ‘Fareham’s Covid heroes’.  It is proposed that the public nominate adults (over 18), young people (under 18) and organisations who have acted above and beyond to help individuals, charitable organisations and businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Everyone nominated for the award would receive a certificate of appreciation, signed by the Mayor and the Executive Leader of the Council, as a gesture of thanks, which would be sent to each recipient by post. 

There would also be up to five selected winners for each category of adult, young person and organisation, chosen by the Executive.  All winners would receive a medal and entry into the Council roll of honour.

The Citizen of Honour and Young Citizen of Honour awards will resume in 2022 but would cover the period 2021-2022 to ensure that any nominations received in 2021 can still be considered.  As a result, it is proposed to increase the number of winners from one to two for each category.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees that:

(a)  the citizen of Honour and Young Citizen of Honour Awards are rested for one year;

(b)  a new one-year initiative be approved to identify ‘Fareham’s Covid Heroes’ which would have three categories: adult (over 18), young person (under 18) and organisations;

(c)  all those nominated will receive a Certificate of Appreciation, signed by the Mayor and the Executive Leader;

(d)  there will be five selected winners for each category; and

(e)  when the Citizen of Honour and Young Citizen of Honour awards resume in 2021, nominations can be made for non Covid-19 related actions or deeds that have occurred during the preceding two years (2020 and 2021).