Respected councillor nominated for rare honour

In a rare move, a special meeting will be held on March 4 ahead of full council to ratify the nomination for Byker councillor George Allison, who has served on the city council for 33 years.

Cllr Allison will be nominated to become an Honorary Freeman by Council leader Nick Forbes and it will be seconded by Opposition leader Councillor Anita Lower, in recognition of the respect in which he is held across the political parties.

George was first elected to Newcastle City Council on 7 May 1987.

Among the many causes and organisations he has been involved in and supported during his time on the council are: Byker Primary School, Byker Community Trust, the Tommy Thompson Trust, the Great North 2000 Credit Union, the Lightfoot Centre, the East End Partnership and many others, with one aim – to make things better for his community.

George worked as a bus driver for Stagecoach (Newcastle) Busways until his retirement in 2001.

His wider role on the council has seen him serve on numerous committees, including (Chair of Housing Committee, board member of YHN) and planning (Chair of Planning Committee, and before that Development, Planning and Highways Committee). 

He was pivotal in the Selective Licensing scheme for Byker Old Town, which made a huge impact in improving the quality of rented accommodation. He led the development of YHN, which resulted in £350m investment for council housing, driving up decent homes standards in the city. 

As chair of planning committee, he was widely respected for his impartiality and skills in handling tricky, often controversial schemes, and allowing members of the public to feel that their views were being heard. He has also served as Labour’s Chief Whip.

Cllr Forbes said: “George is thoroughly deserving of this honour. His no-nonsense approach, firm but fair, is appreciated by all. He has been a fantastic servant to the city in particular to the Byker community.”

Cllr Lower said: “George is hugely respected across the Chamber, so the Liberal Democrats are delighted to support his nomination for Freedom of the City.”

Once the nomination has been agreed by Full council, a ceremony will be held to bestow the honour upon George.

Cllr Allison said: “When I got a call from Cllr Dunn my family were overjoyed.

“As you may be aware, I have fought a serious illness which I thought had been sorted but cancer has taken over my life again.

“I am aware that this is the greatest honour that can be given. I could not have done this without my family’s, and especially my wonderful wife’s support who has looked after me for the last 52 years. 

“Thanks to all my colleagues from all groups and my ward colleagues past and present. Special thanks to Byker residents for their support over many years.”

Fellow Byker councillor, Nick Kemp, said: “George Allison is a stalwart of the Newcastle Labour movement, a committed trade unionist who it has been my absolute pleasure to work with.

“From the day I met him in 1991 he has been a close friend, advisor and since 2002 Byker ward colleague and there is no doubt Byker and the city of Newcastle is a better place for the effort and commitment of George Allison.

“This award is so justified and a fitting tribute to a modest man and a true friend.”

The title of Honorary Freeman represents the highest honour the council can bestow.

The privileges comprise of the name of the recipient being engraved on the wall of the Civic Centre’s Banqueting Hall and a formal installation ceremony, where the recipient is presented with a framed scroll.

It is purely honorary and does not confer the rights which Hereditary Freemen enjoy. Power to appoint Honorary Freemen is contained within the Local Government Act 1972 to “persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the council, rendered eminent services to the council.”