The Strategic Directors of Place and Corporate Resources will submit a report (Document “L” which contains Not for Publication Appendices 2, 3 and 4 ) which update on delivery of the adopted Bereavement Services Strategy together with an overview of other issues arising from the development of a corporate Bereavement Strategy to include the Forensic Science Centre and Coroner Services.

Recommended –

It is recommended that the Executive:-

(1)       Approve the procurement of external specialist resources to complete the feasibility stage for all 5 identified sites and subject to further approval, deliver progress to RIBA stage 3 for the design and build of two new crematoria. (option 9.1.2 to Document “L”)

(2)       Authorise the Director of Place to negotiate a revised lease with Bradford Council for Mosques by the end of 2018 (option 9.1.3 to Document “L”)

(3)       Subject to the requirements of recommendation 10.1.2 being delivered, authorise the Director of Place to open negotiations with Bradford Council for Mosques to determine a lease/licence for the new burial space being developed at Scholemoor cemetery.

(4)       Delegate approval of spend to the Director of Place in consultation with the S151 officer for the extension of Scholemoor Cemetery to create additional burial space at the earliest opportunity.

(5)       Delegate approval of spend to the Director of Place in consultation with the S151 officer to upgrade the crematory at Oakworth Crematorium, to include mercury abatement, at the earliest opportunity (option 9.1.4 to Document “L”)

(6)       As regards Not for Publication Appendix 3 to Document “L” approve the relocation of the Coroner’s Service in accordance with the details outlined and authorise the Interim Strategic Director Corporate Resources in consultation with the Leader to take all necessary steps to implement the decision.

(7)       As regards Not for Publication Appendix 4 to Document “L” approve the recommended course of action with regard to the service outlined and authorise the Interim Strategic Director Corporate Resources in consultation with the Leader to take all necessary steps to implement the decision (that decision to be exempted from call-in owing to the prejudice caused by delay).

(Regeneration and Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

(Michael Bowness / Phil Barker – 01274 434928 / 2616)

The Strategic Directors of Place and Corporate Resources submitted a report (Document “L” which contained Not for Publication Appendices 2, 3 and 4 ) which updated on delivery of the adopted Bereavement Services Strategy together with an overview of other issues arising from the development of a corporate Bereavement Strategy to include the Forensic Science Centre and Coroner Services.

The Business Manager Leisure Services explained  the components of the strategy which were detailed in the report.  He stressed that the existing cremators fail to comply with DEFRA’s current air quality emission requirements and hence the key recommendations within the Bereavement Strategy related to the provision of sustainable, modern and fit for purpose crematoria. The report set out the potential sites that were being explored. The Portfolio Holder stressed that private sites were the preferred option.

The report also provided details for future proofing Muslim burial provision for 8-10 years which will require investment at Scholemoor Cemetery to prepare additional land for burial use.

The Portfolio Holder stated that the Bereavement Strategy was key to delivering up to date facilities and she stressed that the existing cemeteries would remain open for families to continue to pay their respects.

The Deputy Leader stressed that in developing the Muslim burial sites it was important to have a longer term strategy and identify further sites, as they will be needed beyond the current 8-10 year projection.

Resolved –

(1)       That the procurement of external specialist resources to complete the feasibility stage for all 5 identified sites and subject to further approval, deliver progress to RIBA stage 3 for the design and build of two new crematoria. (option 9.1.2 to Document “L”) be approved.

(2)       That the Strategic Director Place be authorised to negotiate a revised lease with Bradford Council for Mosques by the end of 2018 (option 9.1.3 to Document “L”).

(3)       Subject to the requirements of resolution 2 above being delivered, the Strategic Director Place be authorised to open negotiations with Bradford Council for Mosques to determine a lease/licence for the new burial space being developed at Scholemoor cemetery.

(4)       The Strategic Director Place be given delegated approval of spend in consultation with the S151 officer for the extension of Scholemoor Cemetery to create additional burial space at the earliest opportunity.

(5)       The Strategic Director Place be given delegated approval of spend in consultation with the S151 officer to upgrade the crematory at Oakworth Crematorium, to include mercury abatement, at the earliest opportunity (option 9.1.4 to Document “L”)

(6)       As regards Not for Publication Appendix 3 to Document “L”, the relocation of the Coroner’s Service be approved in accordance with the details outlined and the Interim Strategic Director Corporate Resources be authorised in consultation with the Leader to take all necessary steps to implement the decision.

(7)       As regards Not for Publication Appendix 4 to Document “L” the recommended course of action with regard to the service outlined be approved and the Interim Strategic Director Corporate Resources be authorised in consultation with the Leader to take all necessary steps to implement the decision (that decision to be exempted from call-in owing to the prejudice caused by delay).

ACTION:       Strategic Director Place / Interim Strategic Director                                     Corporate Resources

(Regeneration and Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee)