Short Notice Burials Consultation
This consultation document has been prepared to gather views on proposed changes to the process followed when Falkirk Council Bereavement Services staff are asked to arrange interments of coffins and ashes caskets at short notice. These interments are referred to below as ‘short notice burials’.
‘Short notice’ is being defined loosely as, on the same day the application for burial is submitted or within the next five working days. These can be burial of a deceased person in a coffin (coffin burial) or cremation ashes in a casket (ashes casket burial).
The results of this consultation will inform an Equality and Poverty Impact Assessment (EPIA) of proposed changes to the existing process by which burials in Council managed cemeteries can be arranged at short notice. Once the assessment is complete it is anticipated a revised procedure on short notice burials will be adopted by Bereavement Services staff.
The Council welcomes comments from people of all sectors of society, from all faiths and from those with no religious faith.
If you have any questions about this consultation, please contact us at bereavement@falkirk.gov.uk
Phases
Results and next steps
The results of the survey will be analysed and a summary shared here.
Phase report
Summary Of Responses Received To Short Notice Burials Public Consultation
Do you think the revised procedure for arranging short notice burials as set out in Section 12 of this report is necessary?
Please explain why you said 'yes' to the previous question.
Respondents generally support the idea of short notice burials, highlighting the importance of meeting the needs of faith groups, aiding grieving families, and respecting the importance of the issue to individuals. There is a specific mention of catering for Muslim beliefs, and a general sense that a more rapid burial process addresses people's needs to bury loved ones quickly. One response suggests concern about the potential for certain groups to 'short circuit' the funeral timetable based on their beliefs .
Please explain why you said 'no' to the previous question.
Respondents have expressed concerns about potential discrimination and prioritisation of certain faith groups in the context of short notice burials. A recurring theme is the belief that no faith group should be given preference over another. Some respondents feel that accommodating a small number of cases per year does not justify changing the current system. There is a sentiment that the existing process works fine and should not be altered. Concerns about delays for other people due to prioritisation were also mentioned.
If the revised procedure as set out in Section 12 is adopted do you think this will impact disproportionately on you or your faith group?
If you said 'yes' to the previous question, what do you think the impact will be?
Respondents have expressed concerns about potential inequalities and delays in burial services due to the prioritisation of certain faith groups. A recurring theme is the belief that all grieving families, regardless of faith, desire prompt funerals and that no preference should be given in death. Some worry that Christian burials could be further delayed , and there is a fear of longer lead times for burials in general . One respondent feels they would be placed lower down the list, while another suggests that the benefits would be exclusive to one faith group, not extending to those of other faiths or none .
If you said 'no' to the previous question, what do you think the impact will be?
There were only two responses to this question. They were:
Because proportion is likely to be very small
Process seems fair
Please provide any other comments you wish to make.
The respondent to this question expressed concerns about the increasing time between booking and the actual date of interment, noting that the process is taking longer than in the past and longer than families expect. There is frustration with Falkirk Council's reduced flexibility in scheduling burials, with fewer options for dates and times offered. The reduction in cemetery staff and the reorganisation of teams have been highlighted as factors contributing to delays and limited scheduling options.
The respondents also noted discrepancies between the council's stated operating hours for bookings and the actual availability to make arrangements. The need for clarity on the registration process was mentioned, with a call for explicit communication that registrations are by appointment only.
There is a perception that the council does not always consider each burial team independently, which could lead to more efficient scheduling. The consultation document's statements about short notice burials being conducted in a "satisfactory timescale" were disputed based on recent experiences. Additionally, there is a concern that the council may not be fully aware of the confrontations funeral directors face with bereaved families due to scheduling issues.
The respondent also pointed out one incident in the consultation document regarding a Muslim family’s request not to arrange a burial for the next day so they would have time to make the necessary arrangements. It was acknowledged this is unusual.
There was confusion about the changes in the timeline for submitting paperwork and making bookings, with a request for clarification on whether the process has indeed changed since 2005.
Overall, while there is an acknowledgment of the service provided by the council, there is a clear call for improvements in communication, scheduling flexibility, and consideration of the needs of bereaved families across all communities.
Do you consider yourself to be part of a particular faith group?
If you said 'yes' to the previous question, which group do you identify with?
There were 4 responses - Atheist, Catholic, Christian, Roman Catholic