PAPER C


FIRE AND PUBLIC SAFETY SELECT COMMITTEE - 11 AUGUST 2003


BEREAVEMENT SERVICES ISSUES


REPORT OF THE HEAD OF CONSUMER PROTECTION

REASON FOR SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION


This report provides the Select Committee with an update on issues that have recently been addressed by the Bereavement Services Task Group.


ACTION REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE


To determine whether or not to support a Task Group view that identified assets be declared surplus to requirements.


To determine whether or not to support a Task Group view that in the event any assets deemed to be surplus to requirements are eventually sold by the Council a proportion of the revenue should be ring fenced for Bereavement Services purposes.


To determine whether or not the Bereavement Services Task Group should continue to operate.

BACKGROUND


The Bereavement Services Task Group continues to meet on a regular basis. Independent asset condition surveys commissioned through Property Services for chapels, old mortuaries etc in the Bereavement Services portfolio have been reviewed and where appropriate site visits made. It was noted that those condition surveys recommend revenue spending of approximately £125,000 to return assets to an acceptable condition.


The Task Group considered that investment in Bereavement Services infrastructure was essential and investigated whether or not any assets could be deemed surplus to requirements. In this regard Select Committee members may recall that the lodge at Mountjoy was, comparatively recently declared to be surplus. The lodge was subsequently sold by the Council.


Particular consideration has been given to :

 

           •          Ventnor Lodge at Ventnor Cemetery.

The lodge has been lesed to the Probation Service and is currently on a short term renewal.

           •          Old Mortuary at West Street, Ryde

The building is in poor condition. An approach has been made to the Council by a prospective tenant interested in using the property for commercial purposes. Property Services have entered into preliminary negotiations with the interested party.

           •          Land at Shanklin Cemetery

The cemetery is well maintained. There is an extensive area of land that is yet to be used for burial purposes. At current burial rates the land will not be “used for several hundreds of years”.

 

The Task Group concluded that these assets could be declared surplus to requirements. (in relation to the land at Shanklin land sufficient for burial purposes for say, 100 years should be retained).

In the event that any asset is declared surplus to requirements direct control would transfer to Property Services. In the normal course of events Property Services personnel would endeavour to identify whether or not the Council had reason to retain the asset. Conventional Council procedures would be followed before any disposal.


The Task Group has also addressed :

 

           •          dog fouling in cemeteries

           •          income generation, principally through memorialisation

           •          health and safety issues

           •          cemeteries and crematoriums regulations


Members of the Task Group believe that there is “unfinished business” and expressed enthusiasm for further meetings to ensure issues addressed in this, and previous reports to the Select Committee, are concluded.


RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS


Consumer Protection Service Plan

Bereavement Services Best Value Review (pilot)


CONSULTATION PROCESS


The Task Group has sought advice and guidance from Property Services personnel and officers responsible for managing the dog warden contract. Local members have been consulted.


FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS


The Task Group has expressed concerns about the poor condition of many Bereavement Service assets. Condition surveys catalogue a serious of problems that need to be addressed. A Bereavement Services capital allocation has been made in each of the last 2 years, predominantly to address health and safety issues (£50k each year) but, evidentially, more significant sums are required.


Regrettably, as many Select Committee Members will be aware vandalism in cemeteries is a serious concern. A culture of deteriorating condition appears to foster disrespect and further vandalism. The Task Group is keen to reverse what some might see as a downward spiral.


BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT


Notes form Task Group meeting held on 26 March 2003 and 26 June 2003.

Notes from site visits undertaken on 23 April 2003.

Asset Condition surveys undertaken by Chuck Ecclestone.

 

Contact Point :           Rob Owen, Head of Consumer Protection, ☎ 823388

email [email protected]

Malcolm Houghton, Bereavement Services Manager, ☎ 882288

email [email protected]




ROB OWEN

Head of Consumer Protection