Issue - meetings

Purpose of Report

To seek approval to amend the current level of public health funeral service provision to that of a direct crematorium service.

Decision

That the adoption of the direct cremation model for providing public health funerals be approved.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None.

Reason for Decision

The Council had a legal duty under the Public Health (Control of Diseases) Act 1984 to make arrangements where there were no known next of kin or other person who was able or willing to make those arrangements.

The number of public health funerals undertaken by the Council had grown significantly over recent years, with an associated rise in costs to the Environmental Health service area. The Council currently provided a full funeral service at the City Crematorium, which was an enhanced level of service over and above that which it was legally required to provide. It was therefore proposed that an alternative direct cremation model was used for public health funerals. This would provide significant financial savings, with the cost of a direct cremation being more than 50% less than the current model.

It was noted that the Council would continue to undertake public health funerals in a respectful and dignified manner, with a committal relating to a person’s religion or belief being arranged should that be known.