Agenda item

7.1

The service manager for Coronial and Bereavement Services introduced the item which outlined the Bereavement Services team proposal to increase fees by 4% for burials, cremations and memorials from 1st April 2023, with some exceptions (as outlined within the report).

The purpose of the report was to provide detail on, and seek agreement for, the proposed price increases.

7.2

RESOLVED: That the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee:-

1.     Agree a general 4% increase (rounded up) to all Bereavement Services fees and charges from 1st April 2023, alongside the specific changes listed within the report.

7.3

Reasons for Decision

7.3.1

Raising fees as outlined is recommended in order to minimise the impact delivery cost increases will have on the service delivered to customers.

7.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

7.4.1

Not increasing fees would lead to a significant reduction in the quality of services provided.

7.4.2

Increasing fees by more than 4% to match inflation would be beneficial for the development and delivery of the service but would provide an additional financial burden on bereaved customers when accessing this essential service at a time when cost of living is already increasing significantly.

7.1

The Head of Service for Coronial and Bereavement Services introduced the item which outlined the Bereavement Services team proposal to increase fees by 4% for burials, cremations and memorials from 1st April 2023, with some exceptions (as outlined within the report).

The purpose of the report was to provide detail on, and seek agreement for, the proposed price increases.

7.2

An amendment was proposed, seconded and discussed by the Committee to add the following text following the word "report" and before the full stop:  “with the exception that the additional fee for coffins at 600mm – 7600mm shall not be applied”.  This proposed amendment was not passed.  The result of the vote on the proposal to amend the substantive recommendation was FOR - 5 Members; AGAINST - 5 Members; ABSTENTIONS – 0 Members

7.3

A vote was then taken on the substantive recommendation unamended which was passed. The result of the vote was FOR - 5 Members; AGAINST - 1 Member; ABSTENTIONS – 3 Members.

7.4

RESOLVED: That the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee:-

1.     Agree a general 4% increase (rounded up) to all Bereavement Services fees and charges from 1st April 2023, alongside the specific changes listed within the report.

7.5

Reasons for Decision

7.5.1

Raising fees as outlined is recommended in order to minimise the impact delivery cost increases will have on the service delivered to customers.

7.6

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

7.6.1

Not increasing fees would lead to a significant reduction in the quality of services provided.

7.6.2

Increasing fees by more than 4% to match inflation would be beneficial for the development and delivery of the service but would provide an additional financial burden on bereaved customers when accessing this essential service at a time when cost of living is already increasing significantly.