ABC: new software to enhance access to the burial booking system among improvements for cemetery service
Plans to improve the ABC Council’s cemetery service through a number of practical measures, such as a review of out-of-hours arrangements, were welcomed at Wednesday’s (January 14) Governance, Resources & Strategy committee meeting.
The measures are part of a number of performance improvement objectives detailed in a draft plan. Regarding the cemetery service, the local authority wants “to ensure a safe, high-quality, customer-focused, and resilient bereavement service”.
The Draft Performance Improvement Objectives document explains service delivery is to be continually reviewed to improve services and feedback will be sought from service users, while communication will improve.
The report goes on to state: “The delivery of a cemetery service is one of the primary functions of local councils. A service review identified a number of areas that could be improved, to ensure a fit-for-purpose, resilient cemetery service for the future.”
Further measures to be implemented include a review of the cemetery staffing structure; a new and improved website; the purchase of new equipment to increase safety and dignity; the setting up of a memorial safety inspection programme; the provision of a safer, inclusive, modern cemetery service; an improved quality of service for all stakeholders (the public, funeral directors, memorial masons and clergy) and better access to information; new cemetery software to enhance access to the burial booking system.
Commenting on the improvement objectives, Cllr Julie Flaherty (UUP, Portadown DEA) stated at the January 14 committee meeting: “I’m really glad to see [this] objective included. I think that is a timely intervention.
“This is one of our core council services that has been maybe underrated, I would say, and what I see there are very sensible [measures].”
Councillor Peter Lavery (Alliance, Lurgan DEA) echoed Councillor Flaherty’s remarks, commenting: “I suppose myself and Cllr Flaherty are on the same wavelength. It’s a really important service that needs to function perfectly 100 per cent of the time.
“It is very positive to get a wee bit more progress on outstanding issues regarding that sector.”
The recommendation to approve the Draft Performance Improvement Objectives 2026/27 was proposed by Cllr Keith Haughian (SF, Lurgan DEA) and seconded by Cllr Flaherty.
François Vincent, Local Democracy Reporter