Public Issues
To receive any public questions, statements or petitions submitted in accordance with the Constitution. Further information on the requirements for submitting these is available to view at the following link:-
https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeID=151&Info=1&bcr=1
The deadline for the submission of public questions is 4 clear working days before the meeting.
The deadline for the submission of a statement is midday the working day before the meeting.
The deadline for the submission of a petition is 10 working days before the meeting.
Minutes:
Statement from Rev Paul Hockley, Churches Together in Poole on Agenda Item 8
Bournemouth is the second busiest crematorium in the UK.
Current profit is £1,178,000 which after deducting £365000 yearly cost still leaves a profit of £813400 into the Council’s general funds.
Bereavement Services should not be used as a cash cow for other Council services. Any profit on Bereavement Services should be used first to enhance that Service.
If electric cremators were installed, BCP could claim to have one of the only few carbon neutral crematoriums in the UK.
BCP will be without any working cremators for a time when the gas cremators in Bournemouth are due for replacement in 27/28.
Statement from Nick Douch on Agenda Item 8 – read out by Democratic Services
We stand here as concerned residents, deeply troubled by recent decisions surrounding Poole Crematorium.
The claim of "lack of funds" for maintaining this essential service raises eyebrows when we recall that services worth an estimated £500k - £1M went un-invoiced for nearly a year. This irony cannot be ignored.
We believe in accountability and transparency. We question why private investment options were overlooked, and why sentiments of families who value Poole Crematorium weren't given more weight.
We must restore the dignity of choices and trust in local governance.
It's crucial to prioritise transparency and community engagement to make well-informed decisions.
Statement from Rev Helen Bailey, Churches Together in Broadstone on Agenda Item 8 - read out by Democratic Services
On behalf of Churches Together in Broadstone, leaders and laity: we strongly oppose pausing installation of new cremators at Poole Crematorium. Those needing local ceremonies/services are distressed, forced to choose between accompanying their loved one on final journey to Bournemouth or attending the wake with family/friends. Distance/journey time prevents both, causing serious risk of Poole Crematorium and local funeral directors other than Tappers going out of business. It impacts the bereaved's ability to hold church funerals for the same reason, denying their spiritual role and comfort received. We urge you to proceed with installing cremators.
Statement from Rt Revd Karen Gorham, Bishop of Sherborne on Agenda Item 8 - read out by Democratic Services
‘The decision to restore the full crematorium facility was met with much relief. Many look to Poole as their nearest crematorium including Blandford, Purbeck and Wimborne.
The removal of the body for disposal elsewhere isn’t always acceptable and families have been forced into paying for a private cremation or going elsewhere.
In 2021 78% of the population chose cremation, in 1970 it was 55%, alongside an increasing and aging population, demand will only increase.
Investment in the cremators at Poole will meet pastoral and financial need so I urge the Council to continue to invest in them’.