Minutes:
Having regard to the views expressed by the Proper Officer regarding the public interest test, that on balance the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information and that the report should be exempt.
RESOLVED that the public be excluded whilst this item of business is transacted as it is likely there would be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972 (as amended).
Consideration was given to report of the Team Manager Leisure & Street Scene.
At the invitation of the Chair the Officer presented the report which informed Members of the burial capacity remaining within Council run cemeteries across the Borough, and options to establish a medium to long term approach to cemetery provision in Blaenau Gwent.
The Officer went through the report in detail and highlighted points contained therein.
A lengthy discussion ensued when Members expressed concern regarding the delay in submission of the report. Also discussed at length was funding and options to extend cemeteries, including possible land acquisitions.
In terms of the land needed to extend cemeteries, the Officer explained that any land removed from Common would have to be replaced for inclusion in Common, and this may or may not be in Council ownership. He confirmed that the Estates Section were considering land options.
A Member referred to the very detailed work undertaken by the Task and Finish Group and suggested that this be reconvened to look at capacity within the cemeteries and options moving forward.
In response the Officer said the Task and Finish Group considered issues around infrastructure etc., following which capital monies was made available over the next 3 years to undertake works. The Officer said reprioritising this funding could be an option.
A Member asked regarding the possibility of Welsh Government funding or whether Prudential Borrowing would be an option.
In response the Head of Community Services said a review of reallocation of surplus capital funding had been undertaken, and it was agreed that any potential schemes would considered against a priority matrix. However, capital monies had already been allocated and it may be necessary to shift the focus of this money and revisit the capital budget for other works in the future. In relation to Prudential Borrowing, this was applied on a ‘spend to save’ basis, so it was unlikely to be applied in this instance.
The Officer said Option 2 would enable a more detailed feasibility appraisal to be undertaken, including costs and land options, and report the outcomes back to Committee.
A further discussion ensued regarding consultation with Tredegar Members, when the Team Manager Leisure & Street Scene said it was intended to brief Tredegar Members prior to this meeting, but this had been impeded by the recent events in the Borough. He confirmed that this would be undertaken as a matter of urgency.
The Committee AGREED that the report which contained information relating to the financial/business affairs of persons other than the Authority be accepted and Option 2 be supported, namely:
i. That a more detailed feasibility appraisal, including costs and land options at cemeteries with limited burial capacity be undertaken. This relates to cemeteries with identified capacity of less than 20 years; and
ii. Consideration be given to investigate the feasibility of amalgamating the two cemeteries identified as priority 1 and 2 areas and under the greatest pressure for burial capacity.