Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) – Cemetery and Burial Strategy

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) – Cemetery and Burial Strategy

Due Regard (Equality Analysis) is an on-going proactive process which requires us to consider the effect our decisions are likely to have on local communities, service users and employees, particularly those most vulnerable and at risk of disadvantage.

This template has been designed to assist in the collation of information and evidence required to support the ‘Due Regard’ process when introducing new policies/procedures/functions and services or reviewing existing ones.

For help with this template please view the guidance document, which contains advice to assist you when you are considering the impact (both positive and negative) of the proposed actions on each of the protected equality characteristics.

Name of policy/procedure/function/service being analysed: Cemetery and Burial Strategy Department and section: Planning Policy Name of lead officer: Matthew Bills Other people involved (assisting or reviewing – including any service users or stakeholder groups etc.): • Harborough District Council (Planning, Burial Management and Contracted Services) • Parish Council Burial Authorities • Private sector, including church provision • Other burial services including undertakers • neighbouring Local Authorities • next of kin/users of burial sites and services.  Equalities and Diversity Officer Date assessment completed: September 2016

Step 1: Defining the policy/procedure/function/service Is this a new, amended or reviewed policy? What are the aims, objectives and purpose and how will they be achieved? What are the main activities and which communities are likely to be affected by these activities? What are the expected outcomes?

New Strategy for provision of burial faculties in Harborough District. The objectives of the strategy are: • to identify any deficiencies or surpluses in provision and options for dealing with them now and in the future taking into account future housing and population growth in the District; • to identify possible suitable geographic areas for cemetery and burial grounds and associated facilities; • to use the audit and assessment to set locally derived burial and burial ground provision standards, addressing accessibility

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 (including disabled access), quality and quantity; • to draft policies within the Strategy for the Council to support new provision of burial sites subject to suitable site assessments; • to provide evidence to help any justification for securing S106/CIL obligations and / or making provision for burial grounds as part of future development sites; • to inform future decisions about the provision and funding of burial and burial ground facilities; • to prepare a Cemetery and Burial Strategy report with an Action Plan for the District Council.

The objectives will be achieved through • Intensification of use of existing sites • Extension to existing provision (local basis) • New strategic cemetery • Hybrid of extension or new provision

All Parishes are affected by this strategy. The Cemetery Strategy identifies the locations experiencing most acute shortage of burial spaces and that new provision should be directed towards these locations. These areas are:

• Towards the south of the district around Market Harborough. There is a significant shortage of capacity within Market Harborough, and a small shortage around Foxton. Lubenham and Great Bowden are also expected to see shortages of capacity between 2031-2039. • Towards the north of the district around Thurnby and Bushby, and Houghton on the Hill. • Fleckney has a substantial shortage of capacity, although the Parishes surrounding Fleckney have surplus capacity beyond 2039.

Step 2: Data collection & evidence What relevant evidence, research, data and other information do you have and is there any further research, data or evidence you need to fill any gaps in your understanding of the potential or known affects of the policy on different communities? Include quantitative data as well as qualitative intelligence such as community input and advice. Identifying types of burial sites • Church graveyards. This term generally refers to a cemetery associated with a church. This may consist of ‘consecrated land’ (declared by the church to be sacred) or non-consecrated land, or a mixture of both. • Traditional cemeteries. The majority of cemeteries are non-denominational, and most types of funeral service or ceremony can be conducted there. Traditional cemeteries have often been used by many generations, and consist of upright monuments, usually made of stone.

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 • Memorial parks and gardens. These are a newer type of cemetery, and generally have memorials and plaques rather than tombstones. As with traditional cemeteries, these are generally non-denominational. • Natural Burials sites. These are often privately owned burial sites, and reflect an interest in more environmentally friendly forms of body disposal. • Generally, cremation ashes can be buried in any of the above sites, either within an existing burial plot or in a separate smaller plot.

Identifying locations of burial sites inc: • Current provision • Demographics and demand for burial space • Demand for Crematoria • Remaining space and capacity at existing cemetery or burial sites within the district, • Use and accessibility of existing cemetery and burial sites within the district boundary, • Use and accessibility of existing cemetery and burial sites and crematoria outside the district boundary, • Demand for burial space from different Faith groups, and • Provision of existing burial services from private and public sector.

Morality

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 Population and forecasted population in Harborough District 105,000

100,000

95,000

90,000

85,000

80,000 Population 75,000

70,000

65,000

60,000 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Year

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016

Forecasted number of deaths 900.00

850.00

800.00

750.00

700.00 Numberdeaths of 650.00

600.00 65000 70000 75000 80000 85000 90000 95000 100000 105000 Population

Forecast of number of deaths within Harborough 2016-2039 6

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 Forecasted Population mortality number of Forecast Forecast Year forecast (per 1000) deaths +10% -10% 2016 87,876 8.46 743.63 817.99 669.27 2017 88,576 8.42 745.52 820.08 670.97 2018 89,288 8.37 747.38 822.12 672.64 2019 90,013 8.32 749.21 824.13 674.29 2020 90,733 8.28 750.95 826.05 675.86 2021 91,475 8.23 752.68 827.95 677.41 2022 92,194 8.18 754.28 829.71 678.86 2023 92,906 8.14 755.81 831.39 680.23 2024 93,626 8.09 757.28 833.01 681.55 2025 94,306 8.04 758.61 834.47 682.75 2026 94,968 8.00 759.85 835.83 683.86 2027 95,597 7.96 760.97 837.07 684.87 2028 96,225 7.92 762.04 838.25 685.84 2029 96,836 7.88 763.03 839.34 686.73 2030 97,447 7.84 763.98 840.37 687.58 2031 98,041 7.80 764.85 841.33 688.36 2032 98,612 7.76 765.64 842.20 689.08 2033 99,175 7.73 766.38 843.02 689.74 2034 99,739 7.69 767.08 843.79 690.37 2035 100,280 7.66 767.71 844.48 690.94 2036 100,798 7.62 768.28 845.11 691.45 2037 101,302 7.59 768.80 845.69 691.92 2038 101,794 7.56 769.28 846.21 692.35 2039 102,279 7.53 769.72 846.69 692.75 Total 18,232.98 20,056.28 16,409.68

Make up of Harborough by religion

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 Religion % of population in % % of % Difference HDC change population between 2001 2011 between in England England/ 2001- and Wales Wales and 2011 (2011) HDC (2011) Christian 79.06 66.30 -19.2 59.3 -10.56 Buddhist 0.14 0.20 30.1 0.4 100.00 Hindu 0.47 1.29 63.3 1.5 16.28 Jewish 0.14 0.13 -2.7 0.5 284.62 Muslim 0.23 0.50 53.3 4.8 860.00 Sikh 0.31 0.75 58.9 0.8 6.67 Other 0.14 0.24 38.8 0.4 66.67 religion No religion 14.23 24.90 42.8 25 0.40 Religion 6.66 6.95 4.3 7.2 3.60 not stated Forecasted deaths per religion Religion Average number of Cumulative number of deaths per year deaths between 2016- 2039 Christian 503.681 12088.350 Buddhist 1.695 40.677 Hindu 10.784 258.812 Jewish 1.009 24.220

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 Muslim 4.193 100.623 Sikh 6.244 149.864 Other religion 1.972 47.338 No religion 208.094 4994.267 Religion not stated 52.847 1268.327 Total 790.52 18972.48 Specific religious requirements Religion Method Notes

Buddhism Burial or cremation depending on local - tradition Christianity Burial or cremation Christian Orthodox church forbids cremation Hinduism Cremation as soon as possible, except for - children under three who are buried Islam Burial as soon as possible (certainly within - three days) Judaism Burial. Some non-orthodox Jewish Burial as soon as possible, service to take communities permit cremation place in designated Jewish burial grounds Sikhism Cremation as soon as possible -

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 Number of each religion to be buried Religion % to be buried Average number Cumulative to be buried per number to be year buried 2016-2039 Christian 24.8 124.9 2997.9 Buddhist 24.8 0.42 10.1 Hindu 0 0 0.0 Jewish 100 1.0 24.2 Muslim 100 4.2 100.6 Sikh 0 0 0 Other religion 24.8 0.5 11.7 No religion 24.8 51.6 1238.6 Religion not 24.8 13.1 314.5 stated Total 195.7 4697.7

Distribution of religious minorities

Although within HDC as a whole the percentage of religious minority groups is low compared to the national average, the number is not evenly distributed around the district. Based on the 2011 Census Data, the following Parishes have significantly larger religious minority populations than the District as a whole (this excludes Market Harborough, which is unparished):

 Thurby and Bushby has the largest number of people of religious minorities of any Parish (543 as of 2011), with a high percentage of the District’s Hindu and Sikh population.

 Great Glen has the second largest number of people of religious minorities of any Parish (494 as of 2011), with a high 10

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 percentage of the District’s Hindu, Muslim and Sikh population.

 Scraptoft has the third largest number of people of religious minorities of any Parish (244 as of 2011). With a relatively high number of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims.

 Broughton Astley, Fleckney, Houghton on the Hill, Lutterworth, and Stoughton have a relatively large number of people of religious minorities. This covers all religious minorities.

 Lubenham has a relatively high percentage of the District’s Buddhist and Muslim population.

Within Market Harborough, approximately 25% of the population are from religious minorities, accounting for over 5,000 people.

Child burials

The number of deaths of children (under 12 years) between 1993 and 2013 has varied between 0 and 3 per year, with an average of 1.29 per year. There is no reason why this figure should change significantly over time, and therefore this figure will be used within the study.

Areas of growth 25.00%

20.00%

2016 2016 -

15.00%

10.00%

5.00% growth 0.00%

-5.00% Difference Difference between 2011

populationand2011 -10.00% Parishes

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016

Parishes that have grown at a proportionally large rate between 2011-2016 are:

• Market Harborough: In 2011 it accounted for 25% of the population within HDC. Between 2011-2016, 44% of house completions were within the Town;

• Scraptoft: In 2011 it accounted for 2% of the population with HDC. Between 2011-2016 8% of house completions were within the Parish;

• Kibworth Beauchamp: In 2011 it accounted for 5% of the population. Between 2011-2016 7% of house completions were within the Parish;

• Thurnby and Bushby: In 2011 it accounted for 4% of the population. Between 2011-2016 6% of house completions were within the Parish;

• Great Glen: In 2011 it accounted for 4% of the population. Between 2011-2015 5% of house completions were within the Parish.

• For all other Parishes the percentage difference between the population in 2011 and the percentage of house completions between 2011-2016 was less than 0.06%.

• Fleckney, Lutterworth, Broughton Astley and Lubenham have all experienced low levels of growth relative to their 2011 population.

Step 3: Consultation and involvement Have you consulted and if so outline what you did and who you consulted with and why. In order to inform this study, representatives from each burial space were contacted (e.g. Parish Council, Vicar, Church warden) to obtain information regarding the current number of burial spaces and spaces for cremation ashes. In many cases more than one person was contacted for each burial site in order to obtain the necessary information. Within the email/ phone call it was explained that Enzygo Ltd were undertaking a review of burial/ cremation ash space within the District in order to establish how much future space would be required. Although this was not part of the formal consultation processes, it did ensure interested parties were aware of the study, and they 12

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 had the opportunity to ask further questions or raise concerns/ issues. At this point a number of comments were raised: • The Reverend of a local Buddhist Temple commented that staff at crematoria and undertakers across Leicestershire have generally been helpful and accommodating whilst setting up Buddhist funerals. Although not directly related to this study, the Reverend noted that, often, chapels and other rooms have overt symbolisms from particular faiths (usually Christian) that cannot be easily removed or covered. Although not a major issue, the Reverend felt that it would be better if these places could be faith-neutral, allowing symbolism to be brought in (or not) for each particular service. • Regarding the provision of spaces for religious minorities, two comments were received stating that they were unaware of any requests for religious minorities to be interred within the burial grounds within the Parish. There was an assumption that this would generally take place outside of the Parish. • Numerous comments were received stating that the only people who could be interred within the Parish were residents or those with a close connection to the Parish. • Relating to the above, there was a comment that grouping small Parishes based on the Census data may cover up areas with limited supply. Adjoining authorities The following adjoining authorities were contacted regarding the study, and within the email the purpose of the study to inform the development HDC’s planning policy approach to ensuring sufficient capacity was explained. The adjoining authorities were also invited to attend the consultation event: • Kettering Borough Council: It was noted that Kettering has recently extended its main cemetery site in Rothwell Road, and either has existing burial capacity or scope for extended its other cemeteries, and should therefore have sufficient capacity beyond 2031. This does not include additional capacity in church cemeteries. The Council noted that they charge a higher rate to bury residents from outside of the District in order to manage the limited burial space and ensure space is available for the council’s residents. It was confirmed that death rates within the Borough of Kettering should not impact upon HDC within the Plan Period. • Oadby and Wigston Borough Council: The council has discussed cemetery provision and wider local plan issues with officers from HDC. No requirements for co-operation were raised regarding cemetery provision. • Daventry: An officer from Daventry District Council attended the consultation event. It was noted that Daventry might need to undertake a similar process. No concerns were raised regarding the proposed approach. • Rutland: No comments received. • Corby: No comments received. • Rugby: No comments received. • Blaby: No comments received. • City of Leicester: No comments received. • Charnwood: No comments received. • Melton: No comments received.

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 Formal consultation Part way into the study, a formal consultation event was undertaken in order to ensure stakeholders were aware of the study, and had the opportunity to give their comments. An email invitation was sent to Parish Councils and religious groups inviting them to attend the event. At the event a power point presentation was shown explaining the purpose of the study, the methodology, and the findings so far. The different options were also considered (see Chapters 11-13), and stakeholders were invited to give their views on the different options. The following comments were raised during the event: • Concern was raised over the time taken between identifying the need for a burial site, and the cemetery actually being delivered. In one case this process took 30 years, largely because of the time taken to identify a suitable site. • Concerns were raised regarding residents from adjoining Districts buying plots within Harborough due to the cost of plots within their District. A discussion was held regarding Parishes’ approach to ensuring capacity is available to residents, such as preventing non- residents from being interred in the site. • It was noted that closed churchyards could provide a significant level of burial space if there was a mechanism to reinstate these. However, it was acknowledged that this was a National level policy and beyond the scope of this study. • Similarly, it was noted that the re-use of graves could provide significant capacity. Again this is a National level policy, and beyond the scope of this study.

Step 4: Potential impact Considering the evidence from the data collection and feedback from consultation, which communities will be affected and what barriers may these individuals or groups face in relation to Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity, Race, Religion or Belief, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Other groups e.g. rural isolation, deprivation, health inequality, carers, asylum seeker and refugee communities, looked after children, deprived or disadvantaged communities and also the potential impact on Community Cohesion. Remember people have multiple characteristics so the impact of a policy on a particular community may impact people within the community differently. Where possible include numbers likely to be affected. A. Age No adverse impact because of age

B. Disability Appropriate signage and access arrangements will need to be made on (physical, visual, any new site or extension to existing sites to ensure that this priority hearing, learning group can use the facilities disabilities, 14

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 mental health)

C. Gender / Sex

No adverse impact because of Gender/sex

D. Religious Monitoring the demographics of the population will continue to ensure Belief the burial ground can evolve to cater for different faith groups if required. The cemetery strategy has investigated the requirements of religious or faith groups from burial grounds

Parish Main Existing Recommendations religious provision minority Market All Insufficient Any future capacity Harborough religions capacity within (e.g. a new site) the Plan should Period accommodate different religions. Thurby and Hindu No provision Any future capacity Bushby and Sikh within the (e.g. a new site) Parish. Hindus should and Sikhs both accommodate favour different religions, cremation. particularly for

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 cremation ashes. Great Glen Hindu, Sufficient The proposed Muslim capacity within cemetery should be and Sikh the plan able to period. accommodate religious minorities. Scraptoft Hindu Sufficient N/A- Religious and Sikh capacity within minorities can be and beyond accommodated the Plan within the existing period. capacity. Different religions can be accommodated within the natural burial site. Broughton All Sufficient N/A- Religious Astley religions capacity within minorities can be and beyond accommodated the Plan within the existing period. capacity.

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 Different religions can be accommodated within the cemetery. Fleckney All Insufficient No consultee religions capacity within the plan period Houghton All Insufficient Consultee response on the Hill religions capacity within stated that there the plan period had been no enquiries or complaints regarding the interment of religious minorities. A new site is recommended within this region (see Chapters 10- 12), this should accommodate

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 religious minorities. Lutterworth All Sufficient N/A- Religious religions capacity within minorities can be and beyond accommodated the plan within the existing period. The capacity. existing cemetery can accommodate different religions. Stoughton All Insufficient A new site is religions capacity within recommended the Plan within this region Period. (see Chapters 10- 12), this should accommodate religious minorities. Lubenham Muslims Sufficient burial Consultee response and capacity within stated that there Buddhists the Plan had been no Period. requests for religious minorities

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 Insufficient to be interred. A capacity for new site is cremation recommended ashes within within this region the Plan (see Chapters 10- Period. 12), this should accommodate religious minorities.

E. Racial Group

No adverse impact because of racial group

F. Sexual Orientation

No adverse impact because of sexual orientation

G. Transgender

No adverse impact because of transgender

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 H. Other protected groups No adverse impact because of other (pregnancy & maternity, marriage & civil partnership)

I. Other socially excluded groups (low literacy, priority No adverse impact because of social exclusion neighbourhoods, socio-economic, etc)

J. All

None

Step 5: Mitigating and assessing the impact If you consider there to be actual or potential adverse impact or discrimination, please outline this below. State whether it is justifiable or legitimate and give reasons. If you have identified adverse impact or discrimination that is illegal, you are required to take action to remedy this immediately. If you have identified adverse impact or discrimination that is justifiable or legitimate, you will need to consider 20

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 what actions can be taken to mitigate its effect on those groups of people. Consider what barriers you can remove, whether reasonable adjustments may be necessary and how any unmet needs have identified can be addressed. See table above Officer Comment Initial response Enzygo response

The report does not differentiate It would be Through our study, we found between ecclesiastical parish unreasonable to assume most parishes were keen to and civil parish provision. There that the District Council maintain and provide new local are still a number of cemeteries would take responsibility space. The District Council can operated by the Church which for all burials through facilitate this, for example are nearing capacity but we out the District. Services through its innovative cannot assume that the civil are best provided on a programming of S106 monies to parish authority (parish local basis by civil burial meet local burial requirements. council/meeting) will be willing authorities. The study helps to provide a to take on responsibility for sharper definition of immediate future provision, if the Church and longer term needs. themselves do not provide (as stated cemetery provision is not It is interesting to note that many a statutory service for parishes churchyards have reached a and districts, although both can legal capacity but actually have act as burial authorities). much more closed space available. It is an interesting policy question about how we can reopen closed churchyards to meet future burial space needs.

There will always be a need for strategic provision by the District to augment a locally based approach.

The assumptions on future Historical data has Early consultation with funeral

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 capacity are based on population shown the expected rate directors confirmed that cost projections within the parish but of burial at District differentials incurred when HDC operated cemeteries are not Council cemeteries. The interring outside home District restricted to residents of that future expected rate can tended to restrict burials from parish (or even residents of the only be extrapolated outside Harborough. A review of district) rendering capacity using reasonable adjoining Leicester City’s burial statistics unreliable. projections. The space strategy confirmed this mortality rate per 1000 also. population is also important here, because as the population Consultation with adjoining increases over time, the authorities confirmed that they expected mortality rate felt there was no strategic role for is expected to decrease. Harborough cemeteries. The number of deaths expected in the District has been projected using plus or minus 10% Parish rules restrict access to buffer. local burial spaces.

Overall, we felt that the key driver for burial space needs which could be analysed robustly would be population growth. Therefore, using ONS projects of local population change would best represent the local situation

It identifies that we have under- The scope of the study Agree with initial response. At provision in certain areas, but was not to identify this point we are unable to does not identify how this is specific sites for new identify specific sites. Identifying going to be met. I accept that burial provision, but to specific sites was beyond the the purpose of this report is to highlight the options scope of the study. However, the inform Local Plan policies but we available to HDC and report next steps recommends

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 have known about the limited life other partners for that HDC undertakes a desk of Market Harborough cemetery provision of burial based exercise to examine the for many years and in this spaces in the future. potential cemetery use of sites to respect the report does not take Acquisition of sites will meet local needs in the District, us any further forward about need to take place to be followed by more extensive identifying provision for an through the Assets team site based assessment. extension to the existing and will be subject to cemetery or provision of a site specific geophysical and for a new cemetery. HDC needs technical requirements. to determine its own intentions in terms of provision of cemeteries provision for its residents, particularly in the unparished area of Market Harborough. If we are to continue to provide cemeteries we need a strategy to identify, acquire and provision a new cemetery facility. How is this going to happen and what are the timescales?

There are certain assumptions The scope of the Table 8 provides made on provision of faith strategy, under the Duty recommendations as to how burials regarding availability of to Cooperate, was to capacity can be provided for facilities elsewhere and lack of determine whether the religious minorities. Within most demand within existing capacity at other sites of the Parishes, the number of cemeteries. I think we have a outside the District for all religious minorities is too low to responsibility to consider the faiths. In the same way provide specific burial grounds, needs of all residents of the as population across however church burial grounds district – lack of demand may be District borders affect are obliged to accommodate because suitable the pressure on District different religions. The arrangements/facilities are not provision, so do the consultation response regarding available within the district. facilities provided by religious minorities was Julie Clarke, Equality and neighbouring Districts. disappointing, with only one Diversity Officer should be The expected use by response from a religious

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 consulted on the report. faith has been assessed minority group. as part of this report as has the specific requirements of those Where the need for burial space faiths. is expressed in a definable way only at District level, we see the the district cemeteries playing a key role in meeting such needs. That said, many local parishes have said they are able to accommodate different faith groups within their cemeteries whilst not having identified a specific resource.

The report acknowledges that The consecration of See point about closed most cemeteries within the specific areas of churchyards above. district have ecclesiastical cemeteries or the parish backgrounds. provision of areas for Traditionally many of these specific faith burials will cemeteries will have been sub- need to be undertaken divided into consecrated and un- as required using local consecrated sections (also C of knowledge of the E/Catholic). How does this expected burials for impact on current availability each faith. The (e.g. The C of E consecrated information provided as section is already full at Market part of the report will Harborough, Northampton Road, help inform those with remaining space split decisions. between Roman Catholic and un- consecrated sections. Again, these considerations could impact on actual space

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 availability.

Because exclusive rights of Acknowledged, this will Agree with initial response burial can be purchased for be a matter for the future use (100 years for HDC Grounds Maintenance cemeteries) even when existing and Assets Team. Even cemeteries are technically ‘full’ if a burial ground is full it they will remain ‘open’ for cannot be closed to burials in ERB spaces. In terms public access or of Market Harborough Cemetery maintenance stopped. could this influence the location There will always be a of a new cemetery? (as HDC requirement to keep the contractors will have to maintain site in a safe condition. both).

Paragraph 5.4.1 – it would be Acknowledged. We will Change made useful to add in to the notes notify Enzygo for next section for ‘Islam’ – burial as draft. soon as possible but certainly within 3 days.

There is an assumption Acknowledged that Agree with initial response. In that those people who live in individuals will make addition, we have assumed that parishes and want to be buried their own personal the number of people choosing to would be happy to be buried in choice. be buried outside of the Parish is the churchyard of the parish. I’m likely to be similar to those from not sure that this will be The comment from the outside of the Parish choosing to everyone’s preferred choice C of E representative at be buried within the Parish, so anymore so people may choose the Stakeholder meeting the effect will be neutral. to be buried in alternative suggested that the C of cemeteries with no religious link. E is required to provide Also, if the only option within a burial space for persons There will be an on-going parish is consecrated land of religion or no religion. requirement for district level belonging to the Church – how I presume that provision of cemetery space would that sit with regard to discrimination against which will meet needs falling people who are lesbian, gay or deceased because of there sexual preference outside of the parish level 25

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 bisexual and who may not be in life, would be provision. This is made clear in accepted by the Church or have unacceptable. the report. negative feelings towards the faith? This may be an issue for people who want to be buried Also, the private sector provision with their same sex will continue to be made to meet partner/husband/wife. People the demand for a more diverse therefore may choose to be burial space offering including buried outside the Parish which natural/woodland burials. will have an impact on cemetery space elsewhere.

Has any allowance been made This will be a matter for Agree with initial response. for people who may want to be the cemetery These arrangements are made buried within parish cemeteries regulations. on a site by site basis. near family members but who no longer live within the Parish?

There is no mention of how Acknowledged that Table 8 provides current facilities could be memorial walls etc may recommendations as to how sites adapted to meet the needs of be a consideration as can accommodate religious people from minority faiths – the need arises. This minorities. This should be layouts might need to be should be monitored by considered when determining the adjusted which could then have the burials team size of extensions/ new sites a knock on effect with regard to needed. spaces.

Would there be an Acknowledged that this I assume spreading ashes is opportunity to reduce the need may be an option. I allowed at most/ all cemeteries, for plots for ashes if special understand at but some people prefer to have a areas could be designated for Northampton Road plot. spreading ashes? Cemetery this has taken place for many years in the garden of

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 remembrance

Paragraphs 6.71.2 and 7.2.4 The provision for Both paragraphs referred to are seem to accept that people from religious minorities will consultee comments, not minority of faiths don’t want to always need to be kept Enzygo’s views. be buried in the parish they live under review by in and are happy to go parishes and HDC burial elsewhere. Considering the fact authority. As Table 8 provides that they have to pay more for demographics change recommendations as to how burial services outside the there may need to be religious minorities should be District it does not seem to be additional provision accommodated. very fair that it’s just accepted made for faith burials. If that that is what they want to do. additional information is It might be that nobody has been required to meet the asked if they could provide a needs of faith burial with suitable burial because it is regard to burial and presumed that it would not be cremation, this will need possible. Certainly as our to be undertaken as a minority ethnic community detailed study. grows we should be proactive in meeting all of the services required by people with regard to burial rather than keep expecting them to go elsewhere and have to pay more. I would suggest that more work needs to be undertaken with regard to finding out what people actually want with regard to burial/cremation.

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016

Step 6: Making a decision Summarise your findings and give an overview of whether the policy will meet Harborough District Council’s responsibilities in relation to equality, diversity and human rights. Does it contribute to the achievement of the three aims of the Public Sector Equality Duty – eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation; advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations? The cemetery strategy does not discriminate against any priority groups. It seeks to put in place a framework for provision of burial faculties that meets the needs of communities taking into account their religious beliefs..

Step 7: Monitoring, evaluation & review of your policy/procedure/service change What monitoring systems will you put in place to promote equality of opportunity, monitor impact and effectiveness and make positive improvements? How frequently will monitoring take place and who will be responsible? Further monitoring of the provision of new sites will need to be undertaken to ensure that the location of the site is accessible to most people. This can be done through a individual equalities impact assessment for individual sites.

Equality Improvement Plan

Equality Objective : Action: EA for new sites to consider accessibility etc.

Appendix C - HDC Due Regard (Equality Analysis) Cemetery and Burial Strategy September 2016 Officer Responsible: Mark Perris By when:as sites are assessed in detail

Equality Objective : Action:

Officer Responsible: By when:

Equality Objective : Action:

Officer Responsible: By when:

Equality Objective : Action:

Officer Responsible: By when:

Signed off by: Date:

Once signed off, please forward a copy for publication to Julie Clarke, Equality and Diversity Officer e-mail: [email protected] , telephone: 01858 821070.