Minutes

4        BEREAVEMENT SERVICES – CREMATORIUM AND CEMETERY REGULATIONS – The Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director: Commercial submitted a report seeking approval of amendments to the current rules and regulations of the council’s Cemeteries and Crematorium.

The council was responsible for Woodlands Crematorium as well as a number of other cemeteries across the whole of North Lincolnshire; the vast majority of these were inherited following the unification of North Lincolnshire in 1996.

It was believed that the current regulations were reviewed in 1996 with the exception of Regulation 52 (memorials), reviewed in October 2015.  Recently, the council had become aware of the need to review regulations in line with changes to operating standards, best practice (reflecting principles of the Charter for the Bereaved), and industry standards.

The Local Authorities Cemetery Order 1977 (LACO), set the general parameters under which all cemeteries could operate. 

The council provided details of the regulations at the time of sale of a grave; however,  a copy of the regulations for cremation services was not provided.  It was anticipated that all users of Bereavement Services would receive a copy moving forward.  A copy of the regulations would also become available on the council’s website, as well as on request from the Bereavement Services office at Woodlands Crematorium.

The regulations had been reviewed in full.  Additional sections had been included which covered both aspects of cremation services and cemetery services.  The regulations relating to memorials had been brought into line with current industry guidelines (National Association of Memorial Masons and BS8415).

Resolved – That the amendments to the regulations for the management of cemeteries and crematorium, to ensure commitments to the Charter of the Bereaved be met and industry guidance and best practice be reflected, be approved.