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 public question from Mr Azam. He asked for confirmation regarding which Cabinet Member now had responsibility for bereavement services and he offered to take them for a tour of the cemeteries like he had previous Cabinet Members. Mr Azam also asked for a progress update on the negotiations between the Council and Dignity. He was very concerned that burial space was running out but there were no confirmed plans for further development. Phase 1 of the development had been expected in 2025, but no plans had yet been approved. He asked how the matter could be moved forward.
The Leader confirmed that Councillor Beresford now had responsibility for Bereavement Services. Councillor Beresford confirmed that she would like to accept Mr Azam’s offer of a tour.
Phil Horsfield, the Assistant Director of Legal, Elections and Registration Services, confirmed that negotiations were still ongoing and that the discussions being held were robust. The outcome of the negotiations would impact the plan for future development which was why those plans had not yet been confirmed. Mr Horsfield reiterated what had been said in previous meetings, explaining that the Council would ensure that there was always land available for burials.
Mr Azam confirmed he would contact Councillor Beresford. He also referenced the Independent Equalities Review of Bereavement Services Provision that had been undertaken by Kaushar Tai. This report was due to be discussed at the Improving Places Select Commission on 10 June 2025. Mr Azam stated that he believed the report was a missed opportunity and asked if it would be presented to Cabinet along with costs and actions regarding what needed to be done and what commitments the Council would make.
Mr Horsfield explained that an action plan would be developed as a result of the report. Any future investment would be subject to the usual procedure rules that the Council operated under.