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Cheshire East Council has taken direct control of its bereavement services after completing a review of two of its wholly owned companies.
The move follows a decision by the authority’s finance sub-committee in June 2024. Most functions previously carried out by Orbitas Bereavement Services are now being delivered by the council.
The changes cover maintenance of green spaces, parks development, fleet services and bereavement services – including the management of cemeteries and crematoriums. The handyperson service has also transferred.
Cllr Lata Anderson, vice chair of the finance sub-committee, said: “The decision to bring the services delivered by Orbitas back in-house is considered the best way to deliver these services to our residents going forward, and it forms a key part of our whole-organisation transformation programme.
“Our key priorities while bringing these services back in-house have been to ensure that high-quality frontline services continue to be delivered efficiently and effectively, and that all staff affected by these changes have been supported.”
She added: “I would like to reassure residents that services, including bin collections, will continue as normal, while ensuring value for money for the council and our residents. The council also recognises that Orbitas colleagues have brought with them a lot of knowledge, commitment and experience, which will be of great value as the authority moves towards delivering exciting transformational change.”
