The conferment of an Honorary Freedom of the Borough is to recognise persons of distinction who have provided eminent services and are connected to the London Borough of Harrow.  

The Local Government Act 1972 states that a principal council may pass a resolution at a specially convened Council meeting to confer the title of honorary alderman/woman on someone, who has in the opinion of the Council, provided eminent services to the council as a past member but who are not presently a member of the Council.

The conferring of the title of Honorary Freeman is the highest honour that a Council of a City or Borough can bestow. The resolution should state why the Council have come to their decision, and details of the public services provided by the recipient should be included.

The freedom resolution is passed at a special meeting of the Council and the formal presentation normally takes place at a separate occasion.  A sealed and illuminated certificate of the grant of the Honorary Freedom, incorporating a copy of the formal resolution, contained in a suitable casket is then usually presented to the newly appointed Honorary Freeman by the Mayor.