BCP Council launches bereavement service consultation
The council’s cabinet has also agreed to undertake a review of how it operates bereavement services and explore potential opportunities for external investment
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has announced its intention to develop and expand its bereavement service for the benefit of residents.
As a result, the council has invited early informal interest from businesses and organisations in the bereavement industry and faith sector to aid in this endeavour.
BCP’s cabinet has also agreed to undertake a review of how it operates bereavement services and explore potential opportunities for external investment to help bring forward improvements and new initiatives, including the future of cremator provisions across the council.
The council’s bereavement care currently operates Bournemouth and Poole Crematorium and manages and maintains nine cemeteries across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Cllr Millie Earl, deputy leader and portfolio holder for connected communities, said: “We have remained open and transparent about the council’s ongoing challenging financial situation, which requires us to do things differently. This approach is a positive example of us engaging with sector experts to help bring forward investment to benefit our residents.
“Nationally, the bereavement sector is developing and changing. We know an increasing number of people are opting for direct cremations, natural burials and simpler funeral services, whilst the industry continues to respond to the global climate emergency by introducing innovative solutions to become greener and more energy efficient.”
She added: “We want to deliver a bereavement service which reflects this changing landscape. Our current financial situation restricts us; but we are committed to removing barriers and bureaucracy to enable others to bring forward proposals for the benefit of residents across the BCP area.”
This consultation will remain open for a period of four weeks and all information gathered during this early phase of the project will be used to inform a “comprehensive” new business case to develop the council’s bereavement care service, which will be presented for consideration at a public cabinet meeting later this year.