Decision details

Members noted the progress achieved in relation to the memorial safety inspection programme and considered a report which detailed options relating to failed memorials and the potential for any financial impact in accordance with the legislative requirements to carry out memorial safety inspections. It was stated that this was an emotive and sensitive issue, but the Council could not be in a situation that resulted in tragic consequences caused by unsafe memorials.

Members considered the options in respect of making memorials permanently safe. It was considered that option 2 contained within the report would allow for a pragmatic approach. Attempts would be made to contact grave owners in the first instance and the Council would continue to discharge its legal duties in respect of safety. After every opportunity had been undertaken to contact the grave owner to no avail, the Council would then make the memorial safe. It was stated that should there be particular but unforeseen financial circumstances there would be discretion available to provide financial assistance.

Members considered the options in respect of potential repair and maintenance of historical memorials within the five open cemeteries. It was proposed by Councillor G Marshall and seconded by Councillor H E Skinner that option 1, to repair historical memorials in Beeston Cemetery along the driveway, with other cemeteries incurring additional costs be the Cabinet’s favoured option. It was further proposed by Councillor E Williamson and seconded by Councillor R D MacRae that option 2, to tidy the graves and neaten the grave space, be the Cabinet’s favoured option. On being put to the vote, option 1 was approved.

RESOLVED that:

1.   Option 2 contained within the report regarding making memorials permanently safe, with discretion over financial matters being delegated to the Executive Director, in consultation with the Leader, the Deputy Leader, the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change and the Leader of the Opposition, be approved, with any additional costs being funded from General Fund Reserves in 2025/26.

2.   Option 1 contained within the report in respect of the potential repair and maintenance of historical memorials within the five open cemeteries, be approved.

Options considered and rejected

Making Memorials Safe

Option 1

Repair grave memorials at a cost of approximately £77,000.

Potential Repair and Maintenance

Option 2

To tidy the graves and neaten the grave space.

Option 3

The graves remain in their natural state.

Reason

A burial authority was legislatively required to carry out regular inspections on existing memorials, installed prior to 2005, at least once every five-years. Where this inspection programme identifies unsafe memorials, the burial authority had a responsibility to ensure memorials were not a danger to visitors and employees in the cemetery.

(Having declared that he was predetermined Councillor M Radulovic MBE left the meeting before discussion or voting thereon. Councillor G Marshall took the Chair for the item. Having declared that a non-registerable interest Councillor J W McGrath left the meeting before discussion or voting thereon.)