The Freedom of the City is one of the oldest traditions associated with the City of London and is regarded as the highest civic honour the Corporation can bestow. It is usually awarded to individuals who have made notable contributions to public life or to the city itself.
Recipients are typically nominated by members of the City of London Corporation’s council. However, when the honour is granted through patrimony, the process does not involve a vote by elected officials.
After reviewing the legal framework surrounding the award, the Corporation concluded that titles granted in this way cannot be withdrawn. According to a spokesperson speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the honour is treated as a legal entitlement rather than a discretionary award.
The spokesperson explained that applications granted by patrimony are not considered by elected members, and therefore there is no formal mechanism to remove them once awarded.