Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: March 19, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 11.1 The Executive Director Neighbourhood Services submitted a report stating that, on 4 December 2024, a petition was presented to Sheffield City Council requesting new burial space in the city. Following this, the Council unanimously referred the matter to the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee(S&R) to be included in the S&R Work Programme. This report provides an update on the significant progress made, including collaboration between various departments (Property, Planning, Ecology and Bereavement Services) to assess the feasibility of new burial space. A shortlist of potential sites has been identified, with ongoing efforts to evaluate land availability, accessibility and environmental factors.     11.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-       (a) notes the contents of this report;   (b) notes the progress made by the Council towards securing new burial provision in Sheffield as set out in this report;   (c) indicates support to the approach outlined to progress this work;   (d) confirms that the Strategy and Resources (S&R) Committee has been assured that the petition presented on 4 December 2024 has been considered; and   (e) agrees that the S&R Committee retains strategic oversight of delivery of new burial provision in Sheffield.     11.3 Reasons for Decision     11.3.1 The report outlines the progress made towards securing new burial provision in Sheffield and confirms that work on this matter should continue as described. It is evident that the petition presented on 4 December 2024, is being actioned and the provision of new burial space has been prioritised. Financial decisions related to this matter will be made by the Finance and Performance Committee, following the Council’s governance procedures     11.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     11.4.1 Alternative Option: Do Nothing. This would mean that Sheffield City Council would run out of burial space within 8years, and sooner for Muslim burials. This option was rejected because the impact of Sheffield City Council running out of burial land would be far-reaching, affecting the emotional wellbeing of residents, putting pressure on funeral services and creating significant challenges in urban planning, infrastructure, and community relations.