Walsall Council’s commitment to future service provision
Date Published : 20 November 2008
Walsall Council has carried out its annual review into its burial, cremation and registration services to ensure the future needs of borough people are well met and facilities are improved.
An inspection programme has been implemented across cemeteries to examine memorials for stability and Walsall Council carries out repairs to any that are immediately dangerous without charge, unlike many authorities.
Over the last 15 years the council has invested over £300,000 on extending Willenhall Lawn Cemetery and opening the new North Walsall Cemetery. The new extension at the existing Streetly cemetery was opened this year.
Councillor Rachel Walker, Walsall Council cabinet member for environment, said: “Walsall has carried out a fundamental review in relation to the burial, cremation and registration services we provide.
“This is to take a longer term view of our needs for future capacity for burials, to refurbish Streetly Crematorium and to improve the facilities available through our register office.
“Reviewing fees and charges is part of this process and our annual review of this has introduced a fee increase of around 7.5 per cent.
“We have not however increased the fees associated with the burial and cremation of infants and children up to the age of 16.”
Councillor Walker added: “We have investment plans in place to replace the cremation equipment at Streetly Crematorium to meet the latest emission standards for air quality by 2012.
“We are also increasing the range of civic ceremonies available to the public and the number of venues where they can be carried out as a result of feedback from our service users.
“Importantly, we have also been working with community groups to explore service enhancements and we will continue to explore this positive partnership.”
Walsall Council’s cabinet, which met last night (Wednesday 19 November 2008), has approved the fee increase of adult burials from £750 to £806 and an increase in cremation costs from £483 to £519 to include the cost of an organ.
Charges for outside marriages on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays will rise from £308 to £331 and the Marriage Licensing Fee for approved premises, which lasts for three years, will rise from £1,050 to £1,129.