The Policy, Finance & Development Committee of Oadby and Wigston Council convened on 9 September 2025, and members unanimously resolved to approve an 8-week public consultation on the Cemetery and Burial Strategy (2026 – 2036), and a 6-week public consultation on the Green Spaces Strategy (2025 - 2035). The committee also agreed to the budget setting approach for 2026/27 and noted updated Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) budget gaps.

Cemetery and Burial Strategy (2026 - 2036)

The committee unanimously approved an 8-week public consultation on the proposed Cemetery and Burial Strategy (2026-2036). The strategy outlines the council's approach to providing burial services over the next 10 years.

Members requested involvement in the creation of the consultation questions via a working group to include Councillor Naveed Alam, Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Garth A Boulter, Councillor Jeffrey Kaufman and Councillor Ian K Ridley, Chair.

The Cemetery and Burial Strategy 2026 - 2036 aims to:

• Provide cemeteries for Oadby and Wigston residents that are beautiful, peaceful and well used
• Offer burial spaces that support a diverse range of cultural and individual needs
• Ensure that the council's policies relating to burials and memorials are clear, well communicated, and consistent
• Ensure that procedures for the purchase and use of burial sites and memorials are clear, efficient, and compassionate

Future ambitions for the council are:

• To improve levels of accessibility for all cemeteries and the closed church yards managed by the council
• To assess the use and condition of the chapels that are located within our burial sites and ensure that they are maintained appropriately.

The strategy also recognises the importance of stakeholder engagement, including residents, communities, undertakers and memorial masons.

The key legislation that applies to Burials and Burial grounds includes:

• The Local Government Act (1972)
• The Local Authorities Cemeteries Order (1977)
• The Public Health Act (1857)
• Ecclesiastical Laws
• The Burial Act (1857)
• National Planning Policy

Appendix 2 - Cemetery Rules and Regulations September 2025 sets out the standards and conditions for local authority managed cemeteries. The rules and regulations are designed to inform all cemetery users of the aspects of the management of the cemeteries and the requirements applicable to them.

Appendix 3 - Memorial Safety Policy sets out the council’s approach to the safe management of memorials in its cemeteries and closed churchyards and is based on guidance issued by the Institute of Cemetery and Cremation Management and the Ministry of Justice.

An Equalities Impact Assessment determined that the strategy would have a neutral impact on various groups, including those with disabilities, different races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and those with marriage/civil partnerships or pregnancy/maternity.

Green Spaces Strategy (2025 - 2035)

The committee unanimously approved the Green Spaces Strategy (2025 – 2035) for a 6-week public consultation.

The Green Spaces Strategy 2025 - 2035 aims to protect, enhance, and expand valuable green spaces to meet the evolving needs of a growing population.

The strategy will:

• Outline the approach for managing, protecting and developing green spaces which gives consideration to the Council's resources, management and maintenance responsibilities and the contributions from community and interest groups.
• Highlight a set of principles which will guide future maintenance, investment, community engagement decisions and actions regarding our green spaces.
• Agree a set of priorities which focus effort, resources and decision making, ensuring that our green spaces remain high quality spaces for everyone to enjoy.
• Help secure additional investment and external funding towards enhancing infrastructure, facilities and opportunities for the benefit of the community.

The key strategic priorities of the strategy are:

• Invest in green spaces as a priority, protecting our heritage.
• Use resources effectively and sustainably, whilst maintaining and improving our amenities.
• Contribute to climate change and biodiversity targets and aims, through planting trees and managing sites for wildlife whilst improving flora and fauna.
• Increase the use and accessibility of green spaces for all, improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.
• Work co-operatively with our communities and effectively with partners through positive community engagement.

The strategy also supports the council's Climate Action plan and climate change mitigation by focusing on enhancing green spaces, which play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions.

An Equalities Impact Assessment determined that the strategy would have a positive impact on people with disabilities, and a neutral impact on all other groups.

Budget Setting Approach for 2026/27 and Medium-Term Financial Plan Update

The committee agreed and recommended to the council the budget approach for 2026/27 and noted the updated MTFP budget gaps.

The Budget Setting Approach for 2026/27 and Medium-Term Financial Plan Update report outlined the approach and key principles for setting the annual budget for 2026/27 and provided an update on the MTFP budget gaps and progress on the Sustainability Programme.

The approach and key principles are:

• The 2025/26 revised budget will form the base budget for 2026/27.
• Inflation assumptions will be made based on latest information, in respect of:
  • Salaries
  • Utilities
  • Fuel
  • Contracts (as per Contract terms)
  • Interest rates (investment/borrowing)
• There will be no further revenue growth.
• Review of budgets to identify savings.
• Capital Growth - any additions to the capital programme must be funded by grant OR have a revenue payback OR be essential for the maintenance of service delivery.
• Sustainability Programme - the projects identified under the Sustainability Programme will continue to progress to identify savings

The key dates for members in relation to the budget approach are outlined in the proposed timetable below:

| Date | Activity the council’s constitution.