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 were 2
questions:
1. Mr Azam stated that negotiations with Dignity regarding their
contract for bereavement services had been ongoing for 11 months.
He stated that the community did not know what was going on or when
the negotiations were going to conclude. He asked for an update on
when the negotiations would be concluded and when the community
would be updated.
The Leader explained that he did sympathise and empathise with Mr
Azam, but the negotiations were still ongoing. He confirmed that
even if the Council decided to change the way the service was
provided, there would be uncertainty whilst that change was
resolved. The Leader explained that, unfortunately, the uncertainty
would continue for a while regardless of how the negotiations
concluded. Progress and investments had been made and the Council
would continue to deliver the best possible service.
The Assistant Director of Legal, Elections and Registration
Services confirmed that discussions continued on the matter, and it
was progressing. The Council was protecting the needs of all
communities and would continue to do so.
In his supplementary question, Mr Azam stated that the Muslim
community was running out of burial space Land that had been
earmarked for development was not suitable and plans needed to be
produced. He referenced the 35 year plan for Dignity along with the
operational plan. However Mr Azam stated that no formal document
had been produced by the Council outlining the plan for burial
space.
The Assistant Director confirmed that any plans were linked to the
negotiations with Dignity. The Council would continue to make sure
that a plan was delivered, and this plan would be consulted on with
all communities.
2. Mr Ashraf referenced the question he
had asked at the Council meeting in 9 April 2025 and the subsequent
response from Councillor Donna Sutton in her role as designated
elected spokesperson for South Yorkshire Pensions Authority. The
response contained a table specifying details on investments with
Israeli companies, bonds and armament companies. Mr Ashraf asked
for further detailed clarification on which companies and bonds and
how much did each get over the past few years. He confirmed that he
was happy to email his question to the Leader to ensure there was
no misunderstanding.
The Leader reiterated what had been said at the previous Council
meeting regarding that information and again confirmed that it was
held by the Pensions Authority which was a separate organisations
to the Council and members of the Pensions Authority were separate
from the Cabinet. However, the Leader said he would be happy to
pass the question on to the Pensions Authority if Mr Ashraf sent it
through and a response would be provided.