Agenda item

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Open Spaces that provided an updates regarding the progress made against the elements of the Open Spaces Departmental Business Plan 2015-18 which related to the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium.

The Superintendent of the Cemetery and Crematorium also provided an update regarding the progress of The Shoot project. He advised that the major works had been completed in December 2015. Members noted that they would be given the opportunity to view the site of The Shoot project at the bi-annual Committee visit to the Cemetery and Crematorium, which would be taking place from 4:30pm on Tuesday 13 September 2016.

In response to a Members’ questions regarding the reduction in market share of cremations, the Superintendent advised that, although there was a large local Muslim population whose preference it was to use Muslim-specific cemeteries, he believed the trend would improve due to an increasing local Eastern European Christian population. He added that Hindu and Sikh cremation and burial services were provided regularly.

In response to an additional question, the Superintendent advised that the legislation relating to the provision of burial and cremations for humans prohibited animals from being buried or cremated on the same site.

RESOLVED – That the positive progress made towards delivering the Open Spaces Departmental Business Plan 2015-18 be noted.