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RESOLVED:
 
That Cabinet:
 
· 
Agreed to the adoption of the policy to cover when and
how a public health funeral will be provided.

 
· 
Agreed to the name of the policy and provision of such
funerals to be called Public Dignity Funerals.
 
REASONS FOR DECISION:
 
The government guidance on public health
funerals recommends a local policy be implemented to cover when and
how these funerals will be provided. Although Hackney council
provided these funerals there was no written policy to provide
guidance as to when and how these will be provided.
 
DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND
REJECTED:
 
Not to have a local policy- this will continue
to lead to potential delays in determining when a funeral should be
provided by the council which is contrary to the legal requirement
for the deceased to be treated with dignity and respect.
 
To maintain the name public health funerals -
although these funerals are provided in order to comply with the
Public Health Act it was felt that the term Public Dignity Funeral
better described the nature of the arrangements being made and the
council’s commitment that all residents be treated with
dignity and respect irrespective of their circumstances.