Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 11, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: Cabinet recommended to Council approval of an increase in the capital budget for the completion of the build and fit out of the new public mortuary.   REASONS RESOLVED: 1.     To enable the Council to make best use of the facilities at the proposed new mortuary to meet the needs of local residents. The Council, as the responsible authority for the Northamptonshire Coroner’s Area, needs to ensure there is sufficient, secure and suitable provision for the storage of bodies and the conduct of post-mortems. 2.     To ensure the Council can meet its obligations under the construction contract. 3.     To enable the new public mortuary to be completed and so maximise the value of the Council’s investment. 4.     To support delivery of the contract with University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) for body storage and transport service from the agreed start date. 5.     To support entry into contracts for the provision of mortuary services with other NHS providers and other public bodies, thereby maximising value for money from the investment and service.   ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: The project has reached a critical stage where, in order to maximise the benefit of the Council’s investment thus far, deliver a new public mortuary for the county and to fulfil the contract with UHN for the provision of a body storage and transport service for KGH and NGH it is imperative that the building works complete. The intention is to enable a ‘go live’ of the service in March 2026. It is therefore concluded that the additional budget should be allocated, so the Council can comply with the law and make required payments, and the project can proceed to completion.