Issue - meetings

To seek approval for a modification to the BCP Council’s Cemetery Rules and Regulations approved by Cabinet in June 2022 with wider updates approved in April 2024.

Following notification by a religious faith group of a typing omission relating specifically to Regulation 3, Section 3.12 an amendment is proposed to ensure BCP Council adopts legally compliant and fair rules and regulations.

RESOLVED that: -

Cabinet approved the amendment to Regulation 3, Section 3.12 – Proposed Modification Single or bulk purchase of graves by funeral director s/arrangers or religious or non-religious faith group representatives to their group members or families they represent will not be permitted.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Communities and Partnerships

Reason

To provide correct and updated guidance to users of our cemeteries that align with legislative requirements and general industry practice.

Cemetery Rules and Regulations are a statutory requirement governed by the Local Authority Cemetery Order (LACO) 1977, in which guidance on their content is issued on a regular basis. The adopted Cemetery Rules and Regulations with the proposed modification aim to remove some customs and practices that have developed over time that would not comply with current LACO guidance.

The Portfolio Holder for Communities and Partnerships presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet approval was sought for a modification to the BCP Council’s Cemetery Rules and Regulations approved by Cabinet in June 2022 with wider updates approved in April 2024.

Cabinet was advised that following notification by a religious faith group of a typing omission relating specifically to Regulation 3, Section 3.12 an amendment is proposed to ensure BCP Council adopts legally compliant and fair rules and regulations.

Councillor Farquhar addressed Cabinet querying whether the Jesuit community had been approached when drafting the report.

In relation to this Officers advised that they hadn’t spoken to the Jesuit community as part of this but that they would pick this up as a consequence of the question.

RESOLVED that: -

Cabinet approved the amendment to Regulation 3, Section 3.12 – Proposed Modification Single or bulk purchase of graves by funeral director s/arrangers or religious or non-religious faith group representatives to their group members or families they represent will not be permitted.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Communities and Partnerships

Reason

To provide correct and updated guidance to users of our cemeteries that align with legislative requirements and general industry practice.

Cemetery Rules and Regulations are a statutory requirement governed by the Local Authority Cemetery Order (LACO) 1977, in which guidance on their content is issued on a regular basis. The adopted Cemetery Rules and Regulations with the proposed modification aim to remove some customs and practices that have developed over time that would not comply with current LACO guidance.