Issue - meetings

This report presents the outcome of a review of Cemetery rules and regulations.

The review recommends a number of minor amendments to improve wording and clarity, together with several substantive changes which require Committee approval. These amendments are intended to provide greater clarity for grave owners, funeral directors and visitors, whilst ensuring that the regulations reflect current working practices and support the effective management of the Council's cemeteries.

Whilst reviewing the Rules and Regulations, officers also undertook site inspections and identified several cemetery management matters requiring attention. These include tree management, memorial benches, activities within the woodland burial area and the Council's ongoing responsibilities in relation to memorial safety.

Recommendation:

That the Committee:

1.       approves the revised Cemetery Rules and Regulations attached at Appendix A;

2.       authorises officers to implement the revised Cemetery Rules and Regulations and publish them on the Council's website;

3.       approves the removal or cutting back of trees identified as causing damage to memorials or requiring significant maintenance, with works being carried out sensitively and, wherever practicable, following communication with affected families; and

4.       approves the removal of redundant and unsafe benches and confirms that replacement memorial benches will not be permitted in accordance with the Council's current policy.