Agenda and decisions

To receive apologies for absence of Members who are unable to attend this meeting.

Cllr Hill is currently granted leave of absence.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Hill and Turner.

To approve the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 30 January 2018.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 30 January 2018 be approved as a correct record.

The Councillors will be asked to say if there are any items on the Agenda in which they have disclosable pecuniary interests, which would prevent them from participating in any discussion of the items or participating in any vote upon the items, or any other interests.

There were no declarations of interest.

Most debates take place in public. This only changes when there is a need to consider certain issues, for instance, commercially sensitive information or details concerning an individual. You will be told at this point whether there are any items on the Agenda which are to be discussed in private.

It was noted that all agenda items would be considered in public session.

The Committee will receive any petitions and hear any deputations from members of the public. A deputation is where up to five people can attend the meeting and make a presentation on some particular issue of concern. A member of the public can also hand in a petition at the meeting but that petition should relate to something on which the body has powers and responsibilities.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10 (2), Members of the Public should provide at least 24 hours’ notice of presenting a deputation.

Cabinet received deputations from the following people regarding item 8 Bereavement Services – Fees and Charges Review:

Soyeb Yusuf (Muslim Burial Council of North Kirklees), Abdel Jebar Ahmed and Ayzaz Khaliq ((Huddersfield Muslim Burial Council) and Hasan Badat.

The Committee will hear any questions from the general public.

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 37 the following people asked Cabinet a number of questions as part of the discussion on item 8 Bereavement Services – Fees and Charges Review.

Soyeb Yusuf, Abdel Jebar Ahmed, Ayzaz Khaliq and Hasan Badat.

To consider questions from Councillors.

No questions were asked.

A report seeking Cabinet approval to introduce an updated business model and charging structure for Bereavement Services which covers the next 5 year period.

Ward: All

Officer: Sarah Durdin, Operational Manager Tel: 01484 221000

(1)  That the fees and charges as set out in Appendix 1 of the considered report be approved.

(2)  That the key principles of operation as set out in section 2.4 of the considered report be approved.

(3)  That the operational changes as set out in paragraph 2.4.10 of the considered report be noted.

(4)  That authority be delegated to the relevant Service Director - Commercial, Regulatory & Operational Services, to benchmark regionally and revise burial charges annually, as outlined in paragraph 2.5.3. of the considered report.

(5)  That the proposal to set up of the forum for continued engagement with stakeholders as set out in paragraph 2.4.12. of the considered report be approved.

(6)  That approval be given to the additional recommendation that acknowledges that timeliness of burials & grave depth are important considerations, and the Council we will look to be flexible and accommodating to requests relating to faith or cultural issues, on a case by case exception basis.

A report seeking approval to introduce a service charge to contribute towards the cost of providing the restaurant service at the schemes.

Ward: All

Officer: Sue Dunn, Client Manager, Tel 01484 221000

(1)  That approval be given to the option to implement a service charge for the restaurant facility as set out at 2.10 of the considered report and monitor the impact of the charge.

(2)  That Community Plus and other approaches are used to maximise use of the restaurants by the wider community.

(3)  That alternative delivery options are developed and evaluated.