Published Friday, 25th September 2026

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has granted four local cadet units Freedom of the Borough in recognition of their outstanding contribution to supporting young people and civic life.

At a meeting of full council held on 22 July 2026, members approved plans to confer the borough's highest civic honour on local cadet units.

The units that have been identified for this honour are:

  • Reigate Sea Cadets, Reigate Unit No. 281, T.S. Ark Royal
  • Banstead ACF, Anzio Company, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment
  • Redhill ACF, Anzio Company, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment
  • RAF Air Cadets, 135 (Reigate & Redhill) Squadron, Surrey Wing

The formal presentation of the award will take place on Sunday 11 October at Priory Park in Reigate from 1pm to 2pm – coinciding with the first ever National Cadets Week, taking place from 5 - 11 October 2026. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.

Cllr Nick Harrison, Mayor of the Borough of Reigate and Banstead said: “Cadets are part and parcel of our community. They continue to play an important role in building community cohesion, supporting youth resilience, and promoting civic pride through public engagements at events such as Remembrance Sunday. As a Council and community, we are grateful for their service, and this honour is our tribute to them for the important contribution to society over the years.”

A representative for the cadet units said: “We are very pleased and honoured that the council has bestowed this honour on our units. The units do great work in supporting young people locally and giving them the opportunity to develop different skills. This recognition will spur everyone involved to even do more as we continue to support young people and our community”.

What is ‘Freedom of the Borough’?

Before 1835, the title of ‘freeman’ existed in many boroughs as an honour. Freemen enjoyed special rights, dependent on local customs, including things like being able to use land to pasture their livestock (such as allowing their sheep to graze on a common) and being exempt from paying certain tolls and charges.

In 1835, however, the Municipal Corporations Act, changed things a little around what a freeman was entitled to and, since then, the law has gradually reduced the privileges further.

In modern times, the title is purely honorary, to recognise notable members of the community.