Agenda item

The Bereavement Service Business Plan 2021-26 presents a background to the service, an overview of the regional competition, current market forces and current industry trends.

It identifies the impact the private sector has had on the regional market, future potential threats and opportunities within this market

It highlights opportunities for the service to increase its income streams through the introduction of alternative, innovative, efficient and sustainable solutions in response to both industry and customer demand, with a focus on continual investment, service improvement and diversification.

Through consultation across the wider bereavement industry, the Council, customer feedback and the identification of future trends it presents a preferred option in moving the service forward.

If approved the preferred option would be initiated over two phases

Phase 1:

Consolidating the service into a dual site single crematorium model, with initial investment into the infrastructure at Poole to further develop a high-end ceremonial and memorial venue, retaining the site`s current reverence for the future

Additional investment into Bournemouth Crematorium would be required to provide better direct access to the crematory under the coffin conveyancing arrangement enabling greater flexibility on movement without interruption to services taking place. Introducing a more tailored pricing matrix for a range of services to meet the demands of current market forces, industry and customer feedback, focusing on a more transparent, flexible and mobile approach, responding to wishes of the bereaved and changing market trends.

Continue to harmonise the teams across BCP, identify new and alternative burial provision, enhance our marketing plan, harmonise ITC systems, data and record storage, communication and media channels.

Phase 2:

Focus on developing a long-term solution for the continued use of the Poole Crematorium site as a location for the bereaved, following a further review after 18 months of the impact of the implementation of Phase 1 of the business plan.

This will not exclude the replacement of cremator/s at Poole Crematorium, the further enhancement of the location as a ceremonial and memorial venue or the addition of alternative functions associated with Bereavement.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)         The Bereavement Services Business plan 2021-2026 be approved;

(b)         The preferred option of a two phased approach to delivering the Bereavement Services Business Plan 2020-2026 be approved;

                     i.        Phase1: To approve developing a dual site single crematorium model for Bereavement Services, with an initial investment into Poole Crematorium to enhance the venue as a high-end ceremonial and memorial location;

                    ii.        Phase 2: To bring back to cabinet within 18 months an investment plan for the long-term usage of Poole Crematorium as a continued site for the bereaved once the impact of the implementation of Phase 1 has been fully evaluated; and

(c)          The capital investment required to deliver the recommended options within Phase 1 of £559K, as outlined in section 6.3 of the Business Plan and to be funded through use of reserves and prudential borrowing be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment, Cleansing and Waste

Reason

To retain the Council`s current market share in the local bereavement market, to mitigate against future competition, improve and diversify income streams and respond to feedback from the industry and the bereaved.

To adopt a strategic vision and investment programme for the BCP Council Bereavement Service in order to seize on new market opportunities, respond to market demand and generate additional income streams which reduce the service’s reliance on cremation income

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

Cabinet was advised that the Bereavement Service Business Plan 2021-26 presented a background to the service, an overview of the regional competition, current market forces and current industry trends, identifying the impact the private sector has had on the regional market, future potential threats and opportunities within this market. And that further to this it highlights opportunities for the service to increase its income streams through the introduction of alternative, innovative, efficient and sustainable solutions in response to both industry and customer demand, with a focus on continual investment, service improvement and diversification.

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that through consultation across the wider bereavement industry, the Council, customer feedback and the identification of future trends a preferred option had been presented in moving the service forward.

Cabinet was informed that if approved the preferred option would be initiated over two phases.

Phase 1:

Consolidating the service into a dual site single crematorium model, with initial investment into the infrastructure at Poole to further develop a high-end ceremonial and memorial venue, retaining the site`s current reverence for the future

Additional investment into Bournemouth Crematorium would be required to provide better direct access to the crematory under the coffin conveyancing arrangement enabling greater flexibility on movement without interruption to services taking place. Introducing a more tailored pricing matrix for a range of services to meet the demands of current market forces, industry and customer feedback, focusing on a more transparent, flexible and mobile approach, responding to wishes of the bereaved and changing market trends.

Continue to harmonise the teams across BCP, identify new and alternative burial provision, enhance our marketing plan, harmonise ITC systems, data and record storage, communication and media channels.

Phase 2:

Focus on developing a long-term solution for the continued use of the Poole Crematorium site as a location for the bereaved, following a further review after 18 months of the impact of the implementation of Phase 1 of the business plan.

Cabinet was advised that this will not exclude the replacement of cremator/s at Poole Crematorium, the further enhancement of the location as a ceremonial and memorial venue or the addition of alternative functions associated with Bereavement.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)          The Bereavement Services Business plan 2021-2026 be approved;

(b)          The preferred option of a two phased approach to delivering the Bereavement Services Business Plan 2020-2026 be approved;

                     i.        Phase1: To approve developing a dual site single crematorium model for Bereavement Services, with an initial investment into Poole Crematorium to enhance the venue as a high-end ceremonial and memorial location;

                    ii.        Phase 2: To bring back to cabinet within 18 months an investment plan for the long-term usage of Poole Crematorium as a continued site for the bereaved once the impact of the implementation of Phase 1 has been fully evaluated; and

(c)           The capital investment required to deliver the recommended options within Phase 1 of £559K, as outlined in section 6.3 of the Business Plan and to be funded through use of reserves and prudential borrowing be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment, Cleansing and Waste