Issue - meetings

To reconsider a report of the Director of Finance, Assets and Resources setting out the Bereavement Service fees and charges for 2018/19. This report had previously been considered by the Cabinet on 5 April 2018, however, due to a change in Government guidance with regard to fees and charges, the it had been resolved that the matter be referred back to the PDG for further consideration.

The Cabinet had before it a * report of the Director of Finance, Assets and Resources setting out the Bereavement Service fees and charges for 2018/19. This report had previously been considered by the Cabinet on 5 April 2018, however, due to a change in Government guidance with regard to fees and charges, it had been resolved that the matter be referred back to the PDG for further consideration.

The Environment Policy Development Group reconsidered the issue at its meeting on 15 May and had recommended that subject to the removal of a charge for ‘Exclusive Rights of Burial and Right to Erect a Memorial’ for 30 years for those who die under the age of 18, the proposed Bereavement Service fees and charges for 2018/19 be approved.

The Leader outlined the contents of the report highlighting the range of fees and charges associated with burial.  He indicated the Government guidance with regard to the establishment of the Children’s Funeral Fund for England removing the fees for burials and cremations for those under the age of 18.  The PDG had felt strongly with regard to the charging for ‘exclusive rights of burial and the right to erect a memorial for 30 years for those who die under the age of 18’

RESOLVED that the recommendation of the Policy Development Group be approved.

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Note: *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.

A recommendation from the Policy Development Group (PDG) was considered by Cabinet on 5 April 2018, due to a change in Government guidance with regard to fees and charges, the Cabinet resolved that the matter be referred back to the PDG for further consideration.  Attached is an updated report.

The Group had before it a report * from the Director of Finance, Assets and Resources setting out the Bereavement Service fees and charges for 2018/19. This report had previously been considered by the Group at their meeting on 6 March 2018 where the Group had made a recommendation to the Cabinet. The Cabinet had considered this on 5 April 2018, however, due to a change in Government guidance with regard to fees and charges, the Cabinet had resolved that the matter be referred back to the PDG for further consideration.

It was explained that the Government had implemented an instruction on 31^st March 2018 to set up a Children’s Funeral Fund for England thereby removing the fees for burials and cremations for those under the age of 18.

Discussion followed with regard to the proposed fees for the ‘Exclusive Rights of Burial and Right to Erect a Memorial’ for 30 years for those children under the age of 18. This was a sensitive area and the Council needed to show compassion.

RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet that, subject to the removal of a charge for ‘Exclusive Rights of Burial and Right to Erect a Memorial’ for 30 years for those who die under the age of 18, the proposed Bereavement Service fees and charges for 2018/19 be approved.

(Proposed by Cllr R Evans and seconded by Cllr Mrs J Roach)

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.