URL: https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1463

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Major Projects, and Regulatory Services

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To adopt best practice guidance when arranging public health funerals and approve the Policy for Public Health Funerals 2025.

Content: 1. That the Council adopts best practice guidance when arranging public health funerals.   2. That the impact of funeral poverty be reduced by offering additional services for public health funerals as detailed in the report.   3. That the Policy for Public Health Funerals 2025 at appendix 1 to the report, be approved. There is best practice guidance on how the Council should discharge this statutory duty. Public health funerals: good practice guidance 16 September 2020. Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.   Providing the additional services, as detailed in 3.7, which is in addition to the statutory minimum reduces the impact of funeral poverty. The authority has a statutory duty to arrange public health funerals where there is no one willing or able to make the necessary arrangements.     The Council has the option to arrange for all burials and cremations to be arranged without a service. Relatives and friends would also be unable to attend if there were no service. The Council also has the option to charge for the collection of the ashes.

Date of Decision: May 12, 2025