URL: https://democratic.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1898

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet member Councillor Hayleigh Gascoigne introduced the report. The Project Officer was also online to support questions. The policy explains the responsibilities of the council in the statutory obligation to take ownership of maintaining closed churchyards when transferred from parochial parish councils. The new policy will ensure expectations are set and helps the council to plan maintenance and ensure cost and resource efficiency. There were long-term budget implications which would be monitored. The policy supports the council to manage risks whilst carrying out these duties to maintain public safety. A member asked about paragraph 13, on the special expense levy. A member asked what the process would be to do this if we wanted to. The Head of Finance explained it would need to go through Cabinet and Council. The costs of the obligation will be monitored in the budget. Members agreed to accepting this policy when it was put to the vote. RESOLVED to   (a) Approve the new Closed Churchyard Policy   (b) Delegate authority to the Head of Development & Corporate Landlord in consultation with the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to make minor amendments to the policy as required.   

Date of Decision: October 24, 2025