Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 11, 2025

Purpose: Application of a consolidated set of North Northants Cemetery Regulations to all NNC Cemeteries.

Content: RESOLVED   KEY DECISION   That the Executive:   a)       Approved the proposed Cemetery Regulations and their application to all 13 cemeteries owned and managed by North Northamptonshire Council.   b)       Approved the digging of only single depth new graves in areas where the soil conditions make the digging and reopening of single depth graves unsuitable.   c)        Agreed to the alignment of the opening hours in Wellingborough cemeteries to match the hours across the rest of the North Northamptonshire cemeteries.     Reasons for Recommendations:   a)     A cemetery needs to provide families and visitors with a safe and peaceful environment. Currently the regulations differ as to what is permitted across the types of memorials depending on which cemetery the grave and memorial is located in. By harmonising the regulations, then all new graves and memorials in a traditional area will have the same size and permit requirements, this is repeated for the ashes and lawn memorial areas, and the oversized, green and multifaith areas where appropriate. It removes any issues of confusion and offers the same opportunities to all families who choose to bury their loved ones in a Council-owned cemetery.   b)     The digging of single depth graves takes into account the difficult ground conditions and compliance with safe practice with respect to health and safety which benefits both staff and visitors.   c)     The simplification of the Wellingborough opening hours to match the hours across other North Northamptonshire cemeteries brings the benefits of removing the likelihood of slips, trips and falls, and other potential accidents in a low-lit environment, reduces the opportunities for antisocial behaviour as the site will be secured before dark and finally, the  simplification of  opening hours will make the messaging to users easier and consistent across the Council’s cemetery grounds.   Alternative Options Considered: The alternative option considered was to leave the differing Regulations in place across the cemeteries. This was rejected as both the standard of Service and the fees and charges for bereavement services have been harmonised over the last 3 years. Following a restructure of the team, to assist in aligning the delivery standards, the harmonisation of the regulations is the final stage in offering a consistent and improved standard of bereavement service to the residents of North Northamptonshire.