Decision details

Changes to Cemetery Restrictions due to Covid-19

Reference: D1036

Decision Maker: Leader of the Council

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

For the Leader of the Council to authorise changes to the current restrictions on the numbers of mourners attending funeral services inside cemetery buildings, increasing the permitted number of mourners from 6 to 20, and increasing the number of mourners permitted at graveside services from 15 to 30, in line with changes to government guidance on funerals and social distancing.

Decision:

THAT the Leader of the Council:

1)   Authorises an increase in the limit of numbers of mourners attending services inside Cemetery buildings from 6 to a maximum of 20 from 4th July 2020.

2)   Authorises an increase in the limit of numbers of mourners attending graveside funeral services from 15 to 30 from 4th July 2020.

3)   Delegates authority to the Service Manager responsible for Cemeteries in consultation with the Director of Organisational Development and Democratic Services to make any necessary amendments to the funeral booking terms and conditions to reflect the changes in restrictions on the numbers of mourners.

4)   Delegates authority to the Director responsible for Cemetery Services to approve any operational measures necessary to facilitate the recommendations in this report if approved.

Reasons for the decision:

To enable larger numbers of mourners to attend funerals in line with government guidance from 4th July 2020.

 

To ensure the booking terms and conditions reflect the current restrictions on mourners attending funeral services.

 

To ensure that any operational measures necessary to implement these recommendations can be taken swiftly without overburdening the Executive.

Alternative options considered:

The restrictions on numbers at burials could remain set as they are currently, at 6 in cemetery buildings and 15 graveside. Whilst this will facilitate a 2 metre separation in cemetery buildings, it does limit those allowed to attend funeral services. This restriction on numbers has been particularly upsetting for residents over the last few months especially those who have large families wishing to attend to mourn a loved one. Whilst the safety of staff and residents is still paramount, the relaxing of the 2 metre government guidance, and numbers attending certain gatherings, does enable the authority to make these changes to the numbers of mourners and gives the opportunity for more individuals to pay their respects.

 

There is an option to remove restrictions on numbers of those attending funeral services altogether, however this would be contrary to government guidance, regulation and would impose a greater risk of transmission of Covid-19 to staff and residents.

Urgent item?: Yes

Publication date: 04/07/2020

Date of decision: 04/07/2020

Accompanying Documents: