Agenda and minutes

The Committee noted the evacuation and housekeeping procedure.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 14 July 2025

AGREED the minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2025 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive the draft final report

Consideration was given to the draft final report and recommendations for the Scrutiny Review of Muslim and Faith Burial Services. The Chair introduced the report, noting it was a short, intense review which took on board a range of views.

It was highlighted that the recommendation to install concrete burial rings would not only extend choice with the Borough’s cemeteries, responding to the diverse needs within the community, but would also be at no cost to the Authority as the money to install these would be recouped over a period of time. The Committee felt it was important that burial services promoted the opportunity to pre-order a burial ring plot. Officers confirmed that, subject to Cabinet approval of the recommendations, they would be communicating with the funeral directors to promote pre-orders.

The review also highlighted the request that burial hours be extended and, as the Committee believed this was an operational matter, they had recommended that officers carry out a further review of the operational feasibility of the request. The results of this would be reported back to the committee through the action planning and monitoring process.

Officers were thanked for their support on the review. The organisations and community leaders that provided evidence were also thanked for their contributions to the review.

The Committee approved the content of the draft final report and was informed that it would be presented to Cabinet in November 2025.

AGREED that the final report be approved for submission to Cabinet.

Consideration was given to the Work Programme.

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AGREED that the Work Programme be noted.