To receive questions from members of the public who wish to ask a general question in respect of matters within the Council’s area of responsibility or influence.
Subject to the Chair’s discretion, members of the public may ask one question and one supplementary question, which should relate to the original question and answer received.
Councillors may also ask questions under this agenda item.
Minutes:
There was one question from Mr Hussain who stated that he kept attending Cabinet and asking for progress updates on the contract negotiations between the Council and Dignity but was getting no answers. He stated that there was no movement, and the Council had confirmed at the last liaison group meeting that there had been no further progress. Mr Hussain stated that spaces were running out and he asked what the Council were doing about it.
Bal Nahal, Head of
Legal, Registrars and Bereavement Services, explained that the
Assistant Director of Legal, Registrars and Bereavement Services
was still negotiating the contract and there were weekly
discussions taking place. The Leader explained that he understood
Mr Hussain’s frustration but due to the commercial
sensitivity of negotiations it was not always possible to provide
updates however he could confirm that negotiations were still
ongoing.
Mr Hussain asked if the Council could commit to a date by which the
negotiations would be completed. The Muslim community needed
certainty in relation to the number of spaces available. Mr Hussain
also referenced the abandoned building in East Herringthorpe
Cemetery. He believed that this was the responsibility of the
Council and not of Dignity. Mr Hussain therefore asked if the
building could be refurbished and brought back into use.
The Leader agreed to provide a written response regarding the
building in East Herringthorpe Cemetery. He could not commit to
providing a date by which the negotiations would be complete. The
Leader did confirm that the required service was still being
carried out at all cemeteries across the borough.