In 2014 the Council reviewed the cemetery regulations to govern the Cemeteries in London Road, Woodman Road and Lorne Road.

The 2014 review proved beneficial to both informing residents and the bereaved of their rights as set out in the Exclusive Right of Burial (ERB) holder.

However, since the introduction of the ERB there has been a noted increase in the trend to place pots, containers, plants and ornaments on a burial plot.

Often these items are left on a burial plot even after the plants have perished or ornaments have deteriorated. This can result in numerous empty pots/containers remaining on or around a grave.

This gives an unkept or neglected look to the cemetery, detracting from its appearance for all users.

An amendment to the current Cemetery Regulations was sought in order to take a sympathetic but practical approach to address the issue of excessive or uncared for items being left on a burial plot.

Further, it was clarified that the approach to the introduction of the amendment woul dbe sympathetic and achieved over a period of time through contact with plot holders and appropriate signage. 

A motion was  MOVED  by Cllr Parker and  SECONDED  by Cllr Bridge to approve the recommendations in the report.

Following a full discussion a vote was taken by a show of hands and it was  RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:

1.     That Members approve the amendment to the current cemetery regulations as set out in Section 4.2 of the report.

Reasons for Recommendation

Cemeteries are a sensitive and emotionally emotive area of operation within the Council.  As such, any actions taken must be carried out first and foremost with the families of all those buried in the cemetery in mind, and the feelings of those individuals.  For this reason, it is important that the Council act as an intermediary in controlling what is placed on a grave within one of its sites.

To allow for greater control and regularisation of the placing of ornaments, pots, containers and floral tributes on graves.

To ensure that the visual appeal of the cemetery is preserved for all those visiting the facility.

The current contract for processing our mixed dry recyclables is to end 3 May 2019 and it is necessary to commence the procurement process to ensure that a contractor is in place as from the 6 May 2019.

It was proposed to join a procurement partnership exercise, which is led by Basildon Borough Council; the other partners are Castle Point Borough Council, Rochford District Council and Uttlesford District Council. 

A motion was  MOVED  by Cllr Parker and  SECONDED  by Cllr Bridge to approve the recommendation in the report.

Cllr Fulcher questioned whether this item should be referred to Policy, Performance and Resource Committee given the high cost of the contract.  It was advised that it was under the power of this Committee to approve the contract but may be ratified at Policy, Performance and Resource Committee at a later date.

Cllr Fulcher voiced her frustration in tracking this contract’s history through past Agendas and Minutes as this Committee has gone through three recent name changes; and requested this be noted.   Cllr Fulcher asked whether other borough’s recyclables would be handled at the depot and was advised that it would be purely Brentwood waste handled from the Brentwood depot.

A vote was taken by a show of hands and it was  RESOLVED:

1.    That the Committee delegate authority to the Director of Operations to lead on the procurement exercise and to finalise the contractual agreement with the successful bidder, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer.

Reasons for Recommendation

Members were requested to concur with the recommendations set out in 2.1, as this will enable the Council to react to scenarios and agree, or act, upon solutions; ensuring the procurement process is seamless.