Decision details

1.

Title of Item/Report

Scrutiny Review of Muslim and Faith Burial Services - Final Report of Place Select Committee

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report that presented the outcomes of the Place Select Committee’s review of Muslim and Faith Burial Services.

The Council had a statutory duty to provide suitable burial provision, and it was one of the most essential and sensitive services that the Council provides. There could be significant social implications if the Council was not able to offer sufficient levels of burial provision to ensure that families can choose a grave space in geographical areas where they had a personal preference or local connection with. The review aimed to understand the need, as well as the associated financial and operational requirements, for the provisions of burial chambers/vaults within the Boroughs cemeteries as an alternative option to the standard grave plot.

At the time of this meeting all burials in the Borough were conducted in standard soil plots, with wooden frames used for Muslim burials. Burial chambers were a preference of some members of the Muslim community, and the Committee recognised the need for a balanced approach that respects cultural and religious practices. The recommendations therefore focused on extending burial provision by offering a small number of burial rings as an optional service for those who prefer them while maintaining traditional soil burial as the standard option. During the review requests were received for extending burial hours and the Committee recommended that further investigation into the feasibility and benefit that would be added by this is required.

The Committee had taken evidence from Bereavement Services at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, as well as the two local Funeral Directors that carry out Muslim burials in the Borough. Local faith leaders had also shared their views on the topic, and evidence had been sought from four Local Authorities that had installed burial chambers/vaults.

RESOLVED that:-

1. To extend choice within the Borough’s burial provision, a minimum of 10 concrete burial rings with the appropriate drainage are installed in the Muslim section of Thornaby cemetery. This should be an optional offer at an additional cost to those purchasing the plot. The number of burial rings installed may be extended if there is a greater demand for pre-purchasing these.

2. Officers carry out a further review of the operational feasibility of extending burial hours.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

The topic was included on the Scrutiny Work Programme for 2025-2026. The review is now complete, and the recommendations have been endorsed by the Place Select Committee for submission to Cabinet.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight, 19 December 2025