Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Hurhangee and Tony Little. Councillor Radia was in attendance as Councillor Hurhangee’s substitute.

None.

It was confirmed that all items were marked as Part I and would therefore be considered in public.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous meeting. It was highlighted that Tony Little’s attendance at the meeting had been omitted from the minutes.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 20 February 2019 be approved as a correct record, subject to the correction to attendance as above.

The Council’s Head of Green Spaces, Sport and Culture, Paul Richards, provided the Committee with an update on the implementation of actions resulting from the earlier review into regulations and byelaws relating to cemeteries and burial grounds.

The Committee was informed that the recommendations that resulted from the previous review had been implemented, though had been revised over the past few years to include the Ghurkha burial area at Cherry Lane Cemetery, changes to the purchase of Exclusive Right of Burial regulations (back to 100 years, from 30), the Muslim area at West Drayton Cemetery, and changes to when Christmas memorials were removed (now removed in March). 

Hillingdon now had three Green Flag Awarded Cemeteries; Northwood Cemetery, Cherry Lane Cemetery and West Drayton Cemetery. The Crematorium also had a Green Flag. As well as Green Flag awards, the Council had also been awarded Small Cemetery of the Year for West Drayton Cemetery. The Green Flag Award process had maintained management plans for each of the sites, and these were available to view and download from the Council website under the heading ‘Green Flag management Plan’.

Anti-social behaviour at the sites occurred on occasion, though the main issue was the perception of  certain mourning practices (such as holding a celebratory event to mark a death) being seen by some as disrespectful. Recent concerns of potential vandalism at Northwood Cemetery, with flowers being removed or cut off, were found to be due to grazing Muntjac deer. To address this, the Council was reviewing options for fencing and cattle grids. CCTV was to be introduced at Cherry Lane and West Drayton following concerns over theft from cars and maintenance yards.

Regarding the cemetery regulations, these were distributed to all funeral directors, who manage the funerals. Directors ask that all families sign a form to say that they have read the regulations and agree to uphold them. These include regulations over memorials, which have now been standardised with regard to size and design. Health and Safety regarding size remained a key consideration.

All cemeteries were maintained in-house by Green Spaces, with the administrative support provided by colleagues in Business Support. In line with one of the recommendations to Cabinet, Green Spaces had investigated the potential for machinery to process clay from the sites, but unfortunately there was no machinery available.

A toilet had been installed at West Drayton Cemetery and, following a break-in that resulted in major repair work, now awaited cleaning before being opened to the public. Toilet facilities were available on request at Northwood Cemetery, and options were being reviewed for the other sites. A shelter had been installed in the new extension at West Drayton Cemetery.

The Arch at Hillingdon & Uxbridge was still under hoarding to make it safe. The Council had explored possible uses and funding for the building, though none had been successful so far. A Grounds Maintenance team had also been established at this cemetery, reducing travel time and increasing the efficiency of the team.

To ensure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

The Committee considered the draft final report into payment modernisation across key residents services, and endorsed the report to be taken forward to Cabinet. The Committee agreed that the clerk, in conjunction with the Chairman, be delegated authority to make any final amendments to the report.

RESOLVED:  That the final report be endorsed for submission to Cabinet, subject to the clerk and Chairman agreeing any final amendments.

Consideration was given to potential future review topics. Suggestions included:

·         Engagement with young people and the development of youth services

·         Recyling and fly-tipping

Members requested that the engagement with young people and the development of youth services be looked into as the potential next topic.

RESOLVED:  That the Cabinet Forward Plan be noted.

Consideration was given to the work programme for 2019 and beyond. Suggested items for addition to the programme included:

·         Drop kerb enforcement

·         Council strategies for recycling within flats.

RESOLVED:  That the Work Programme be noted.