Agenda item

To receive questions relating to items of business on the agenda from members of the public or press who are present at the meeting.

The Chair invited members of the public present to read out their questions.

(1)  From Ms. S. Yousaf  - Within the operational plan, land at View Valley had been mentioned. Where was this land and what was the size of this site?

The Head of Legal, Registration and Bereavement Services confirmed the land referred to as ‘Valley View’ in the operational plan was located below the main car park, at the other side of the existing boundary fence and was approximately thirteen acres in size. This would be used for an extension to the cemetery with burial sections to be created for all faith and non-faith interments.

In a supplementary question Ms. Yousaf asked when was it likely that there would be public consultation in relation to this land and when was it likely that work would commence on this land?

The Head of Legal, Registration and Bereavement Services confirmed that it would very much depend on what Dignity would do by way of consultation along with the Council.  It had been identified as land at the moment, but once consultation was to commence members of the public would be informed along with the Muslim Burial Committee.

(2)  From Mr. A. Azam - Annual Bereavement Services Update - Dignity Operational Plan - Having read the Operational Plan issued from Dignity to the Council as of 9th September, could the Council and Dignity explain how they have managed to get themselves into this position?

The Head of Legal, Registration & Bereavement Services confirmed the Council were required to provide the land for Dignity to develop into a useable cemetery. The need for burial land was to be identified by Dignity in the Strategic and Operational burial plans. As these were only formally received at the end of 2023 the Council have had to base need for land on areas that were noticeably running low on capacity.

Representatives of Dignity were also invited to respond and they confirmed that Dignity have reviewed the structure of the organisation over the last eighteen months to provide its crematoria and cemeteries with a full board and executive committee. The purpose of the change was to ensure strategic decision making and capital expenditure could be undertaking in a timely manner, particularly where partnership agreements were in place.

The thirty-five year plan, which was supported by the Operational Plan was a more recent submission by Dignity to the Council to ensure discussions and long-term agreements could be achieved to meet community needs. This was submitted in September 2024, and Dignity was eager to discuss next steps with the Council and were currently awaiting their response.

The Dignity/Council contract was produced in 2008 and many changes in demographics, social-economic and culture expectations have taken place since then.  The new executive board structure reflected this and allowed the discussions and decision making to take place with the Council at the correct level.

Moving forward the expectation was that with the Council and Dignity were far more joined up, which would ensure all capital investments were completed ahead of schedule.

In his supplementary question Mr. Azam referred to the other questions he had submitted, but went on to ask given that there was £4 to £5 million if expenditure required could an updated operational plan be received from Dignity that took everything into consideration so everybody had a true reflection of what was needed within Rotherham’s Borough.

Representatives from Dignity confirmed they had submitted proposals to the Council and were in discussions and negotiations.  At this stage Dignity were not really in a position to expand on this any further. The submission took place in September and with ongoing discussions the decision was still awaited.

The Chair advised the additional questions would be responded to in writing.