Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Community seeking approval for the adoption of a new Public Health Funeral Policy for the Council.

To approve the Public Health Funeral Policy.

To approve that the Head of Community be authorised to make minor editorial changes which by definition make no change to the policy.

That the Head of Community, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Housing and Regulatory Services, be authorised to make changes as a result of revocations, amendments, or enactment of relevant statutory provisions.

Executive Councillors were invited to consider a report by the Head of Community and a copy of the proposed Public Health Funerals Policy (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book) seeking approval for the adoption of the Policy by the Council. It was noted that the District Council had provided three funerals, under such provisions in its statutory duty to arrange such funerals, over the last 18 months. Executive Councillors were advised that the Policy would formalise and collate the various pieces of legislation which the Council currently adhered to on this matter and ensured provision for those in need. Whereby it was

RESOLVED

a)  that the Public Health Funeral Policy be approved;

b)  that the Head of Community be authorised to make minor editorial changes which by definition make no change to the Policy;

c)  that the Head of Community, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Housing and Regulatory Services, be authorised to make changes to the Policy as a result of revocations, amendments or enactment of relevant statutory provisions.

A report on the Public Health Funerals Policy is to be presented to the Panel.

With the aid of a report by Head of Community Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Public Health Funerals Policy was presented to the Panel.

The Panel were informed that the Policy puts in place a framework to cover funeral costs depending on the circumstances. The Policy will treat someone who is unable to pay for a relative’s funeral the same as someone who is unwilling to pay, however Officers will consider on a case by case basis. The aim of the Policy is to close the potential loophole of the Council paying for a funeral because someone is unwilling to pay their relative’s funeral.

In response to the question of who conducts the funeral service, the Panel was informed that the celebrant who conducted the previous funeral at the crematorium on the day of the funeral will conduct the funeral in order to save costs. Normally the celebrant is civil however where the deceased’s wishes are known a religious celebrant will be appointed.

Members were informed that the Council will always use the local funeral directors where the deceased has died.

Following a question in regards to access to the Policy, the Panel were informed that the Policy will be displayed on the Council’s website and residents can telephone the Council for a copy.

In response to the question what happens with the proceeds after the funeral costs have been recovered the Panel were informed that proceeds over £500, where there are no known family, goes to Government Legal Department. For all proceeds under £500, the money is retained by the Council and paid into the Chairman’s Charity Fund.

The Panel were informed that in respect to grants, if the funeral takes place before the grant is paid then the grant won’t be paid out.

Members expressed surprise that the Council has no legal obligation to provide a memorial or headstone.

The Panel endorse the submission of the Public Health Funerals Policy for approval by the Cabinet.

(At 8.28pm, during the consideration of this item, Councillor J W Davies left the meeting.)

(At 8.29pm, during the consideration of this item, Councillor J W Davies entered the meeting.)