Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 14, 2024

Purpose: Seeking approval to extend the policy and associated fee to all North Northamptonshire cemeteries

Content: RESOLVED   KEY DECISION   That the Executive approved the implementation of the Burial Reservation Policy and fee across all North Northamptonshire owned and managed cemeteries.     Reasons for Recommendations - The Council and customers will receive the maximum benefit from the option proposed. There is only a finite amount of land for cemeteries and graves within the Council area, therefore, it is the responsibility of this Authority to manage this resource appropriately to ensure that it is available for the longest possible time to the widest number of families. This has been managed effectively via a Burial Reservation Policy and Fee in the former Kettering Borough Council (KBC) legacy authority cemeteries and we would wish to extend this policy to all Council owned and managed cemeteries.   Alternative Options Considered: The Council could choose to retain the status quo and keep the current position and therefore different policies would continue to apply at different cemeteries which would:           ·       impact on the management of cemeteries and planning for the future. ·       unfairly affect residents wishing to reserve burial plots in the Kettering area   The Council could choose to remove the current Burial Reservation Policy in place in the former Kettering legacy area in its entirety which would:            ·       impact on the management of cemeteries and planning for the future. ·       potentially shorten the life of the cemeteries requiring additional capital investment in delivering new extensions and new cemeteries ahead of time.   There is also an additional option which could be considered, and which was not consulted on or discussed with Scrutiny which is, the Council could choose not to allow individual(s) to reserve any burial plot which,           ·       would impact on the management of cemeteries and planning for the future by ensuring that plots are used in turn and empty plots are no longer accrued ·       would potentially extend the life of the cemeteries managing additional capital investment in delivering new extensions and new cemeteries. ·       would offer a level base for all residents wishing to be buried in a cemetery. ·       Would remove the need for additional administration required for the management of reserved plots. ·       May lead to complaints from users who would have an expectation that they could reserve plots as has been the case previously.