Agenda item

Report from the Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services.

Recommendations:

1.    That Members note the content of this report.

2.    That a capital sum of £148,000 is set aside for improvements to the Borough’s cemeteries that are outside of the Dignity contract subject to approval of the Budget and Council Tax Report at Council in March 2023. Details are presented at 2.2.1.

Consideration was given to the report which provided an update on the Council’s Bereavement Services management of the contract between Rotherham Council and Dignity Funerals Limited.

It was clarified that the Council did enforce financial penalties where needed and it was active in managing the contract.  The Council had so far received £395k in payments for performance failures.

The Leader confirmed that further work was being undertaken to ensure the standard of service improved because it was really important that this was addressed.

It was clarified that monthly and quarterly meetings were held with Dignity Funeral Services along with the creation of an annual performance plan.  An independent review had been arranged, which would consider all aspects, including end of life issues and failures.  The recommendations from that review would be taken forward.

Resolved:

1.    That Members noted the content of the report.

2.    That a capital sum of £148,000 be set aside for improvements to the Borough’s cemeteries that are outside of the Dignity contract subject to approval of the Budget and Council Tax Report at Council in March 2023; details of which were presented at 2.2.1 of the report submitted.