Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That the following recommendations be approved:

1.     In order to meet predicted future interment needs, officers carry out further work to progress the expansion of interment provision at Calshot cemetery, and that the Cabinet agree a new budget of £60,000 to facilitate this work;

2.     In order to meet predicted future interment needs, officers continue discussions with the landowners of the adjacent and adjoining land identified at Milford Cemetery, with a subsequent project budget to be confirmed at a later date;

3.     To progress a review of eight closed churchyards, and two additional nearing closure, to ensure the associated transferred liabilities and risks are in full compliance with legislation; and

4.     To progress options for cremated remains columbaria and identify the most appropriate locations in our cemeteries, paying particular attention to Calshot and Milford Road.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

Yes.

PORTFOLIO:

People and Places

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder introduced the report expressing that it was important with a growing population to review the capacity of cemeteries in order to meet the demand in the future.

The Grounds and Streetscene Manager reported that a local authority is defined as a burial authority under the Local Government Act 1972.  The Act states burial authorities may provide and maintain cemeteries in or outside of their area.  The Council had historically preferred to provide interment provision on suitable land inside the district boundary.  It was important to consider the future predicted interment needs and plan for cemetery provision.  This had been considered until at least 2040.

The report also considered a review of closed churchyards and the liabilities and risks to ensure that Council was in full compliance with legislation.

Members expressed their support to the recommendations in the report, highlighting the importance of planning future cemetery provision.  The importance of the work the service provided was also acknowledged along with the sensitively delivered provision of welfare funerals.