Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s bereavement team has responded to recent media concerns on an environmentally-friendly scheme which could see cremations sometimes postponed to the next day.

A local undertaker, Owen Brundish, claimed families will have no say as to when cremations are carried out.

“This is not the case. If families specifically wish the cremation to be carried out on the day of the service, they have the right to state that on the application for cremation form which they have to sign,” explained Bereavement Services Manager Linda Bigg.

A change in the law has allowed the Council to upgrade its environmental policy.

In May 2005 the Cremation Code of Practice was amended to read: ‘A body not cremated on the same day as the coffin is received at the Crematorium may only be retained on the written consent of the Applicant for cremation and in circumstances deemed necessary by the Cremation Authority, including impacts on the environment. All bodies retained at the crematorium will be accommodated in secure and sanitary conditions within the building.’

“Having looked closely at the way our three cremators operate we decided that by delaying the heating of the gas-fueled units until nearer to the time of the first service of the day rather than firing them up at the start of the working day, it would save energy and have a positive environmental impact,” continued Linda.

“The changes will not affect every cremation and were taken after looking at practices in other parts of the country. Other local authorities are already using this legislation to try to become more environmentally-friendly by saving fuel and minimizing emissions to the atmosphere.”

On July 2 the bereavement team sent a letter to all funeral directors and members of the clergy explaining the new policy and inviting discussion. A focus group meeting was held on July 24 to discuss the policy. Although members of the clergy attended, no funeral directors accepted the invitation, instead sending letters of apology stating they would not be attending. This included Brundish and Sons.

The members of the clergy at the meeting, had no objections to the policy.

Commenting on the complaint Councillor Jim Shrimplin said:  “The Bereavement team does its utmost to ensure that family and friends receive a top-class service at a time which is very distressing for them.”

“It has certainly not been the team, or the Council’s, intention to cause additional distress to families. I want to reiterate that families can request cremation on the day of the service if that is their wish.

“Over the last year the crematorium has undergone a great deal of work to make the building more welcoming to families, and the service provided by Mrs Bigg and her team is of the same high standard.

“When it comes to its environmental responsibilities, the Council takes them seriously. As an example, it has already agreed on the purchase and installation of equipment which will reduce mercury emissions arising from cremations. It will be installed in the next couple of years.”

For further information contact Tim Howard, Head of Regeneration and Environment on 01493 846361.