A unique ‘L50’ license plate used on executive cars with the Mayor of Lancaster City Council could be auctioned and, in a number of possible changes, cheaper replica mayoral chains can also be purchased to relate transportation and other costs with civic ceremonies throughout the district.
The L50 license plate has been used on cars carrying numerous mayors for many years, but its origins are unknown, according to a report for the December city council cabinet meeting.
Proceeds from the sale of the license plate could be used to buy a new, cleaner electric car for mayors, cabinet councils say.
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Mayoral events and invitations are on the rise again after the pandemic lockdown months. However, the city council is asked to consider making savings on the mayor’s transportation, personnel and security arrangements to protect the mayor’s precious chains of office.
A report for the cabinet states: “Prior to 2013, the council employed a full-time beadle to serve as the mayor’s servant and chauffeur.
“The council has leased a company car for the mayor, which is equipped with the L50 license plate of the council.
“Over time, there wasn’t enough work for a full-time position. When working hours were reduced, a part-time beadle was temporarily discontinued. The anti-social working hours, which change from week to week, made it too difficult to plan a social life so the beadle didn’t stay.
“With this in mind, a contract was considered the better option. In May 2013, the city council signed a three-year contract with a chauffeur-driven company outside the district to provide a chauffeur / mayor attendant (also known as a beadle) who would use the council-leased executive car to drive the mayor to council and civic events.
“The contract included the beadle to act as master of ceremonies and tours of Lancaster City Hall if necessary. The council paid a fixed hourly rate.
“Shortly after the start of the contract, the leasing contract for the executive car ended. The car was old and needed to be repaired. At that time it was agreed that the chauffeur would provide a suitable executive car and put the L50 license plate on it. This resulted in an increase in the hourly rate.
“The contract included the delivery of a safe to keep the mayoral chains safe. The contract was later extended and then expired around the pandemic. “
Lancaster City Council ceremonial club used at city council meetings attended by the Mayor
The Cabinet Report adds, “The L50 plate has been the property of the Council for many years and there is no record of its origin. After consulting several online auction services for personalized license plates, this license plate appears to be very valuable. “
However, a list of estimates has been made available to council members, but these are commercially sensitive. the information is classified as “optional” and therefore not published.
The report emphasizes, “These are only estimates and the actual price will depend on the level of interest in the record. However, it appears that the panel would provide enough funding to buy some sort of electric car that could be used for the mayor if the cabinet decides to pursue that option.
“It would also require a new part-time position of chauffeur / mayor for two days a week, with additional hours paid if necessary to cover events.
“It’s worth noting that personalized plates with the letters LCC and various numbers are currently being offered for sale on auction sites, valued at around £ 200-300. If the mayor’s car had a distinctive license plate, this could be an option. “
Lancaster City Council ceremonial club used at city council meetings attended by the Mayor
The report also states that the mayor attends events with just the badge on the ribbon and no chains, or can wear the ornate chain if an officer is accompanying him or her, and the chains will be kept safe at other times.
Event organizers and the public expect the mayor to wear the chain of office, the report said. More events are happening now, often at night and on weekends. While a local taxi company was used with an electric car, if the chains are used, they still have to be secured by a community leader. This consumes a lot of resources and is very uncomfortable for employees, the report says.
In 2015, council officials examined the cost of making replica necklaces for the mayor to wear. The price quoted at the time for a replica badge alone was over £ 3,000.
The report indicates that the city council faces a significant budget deficit for 2021/22 and beyond. There is pressure to cut costs. Any increased cost pressures must be clearly articulated, aligned with the Council’s priorities and taken into account in the current budget round, which can lead to cost reductions in other services.
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