Agenda item

The Environmental Services Manager presented the Pet Cremation Service report.

In doing so, it was explained to the Committee that the proposal sought to introduce a dedicated Pet Cremation Service at Abbey Cemetery. This would expand Redditch Borough Council’s current bereavement offer and establish a sustainable new income stream for the Council. Members were advised that the site at Abbey Cemetery was the most suitable location which would most efficiently utilise the current footprint.

The new service was designed to complement the well-established and respected human bereavement service; however, it was clarified that the pet cremation service would be completely separate to the human cremation facilities and assurance was given that there would be no disruption to human funerals.

The Committee was informed that the Council would secure Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) licensing and operate to The Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria (APPCC) code of practice.

It was reported that fifty-seven per cent of households in the UK owned pets, in Worcestershire this equated to roughly 148,000 pet-owning households. In terms of the local market landscape, Members were informed there were three established pet crematoria that operated within a fifteen-to-forty-five-minute drive radius of Redditch. The closest pet cremator was located within ten miles of Redditch Crematorium. The Environmental Services Manager expressed the opinion that this represented a clear opportunity for the Council as there was scope for a high-quality public service alternative locally.

The Committee was advised that financial modelling indicated the service would breakeven by month five and that there would be strong income potential thereafter. It was highlighted that this would allow funds to be released for wider Council priorities.

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council provided the business model for this proposal as they had launched the first Council-owned Pet Cremation Service in 2016 with success.

It was explained that the preferred cremator machine, Addfield PET200, offered ease of operation for staff and support from the supplier as they were UK based.

The key risks were outlined, namely staff unsettlement and public perception. Assurance was given to the Committee that these risks would be mitigated through staff upskilling and transparent communications with the public and stakeholders.

In concluding his presentation, the Environmental Services Manager summarised that this proposal provided a timely, resident-focused operation which would also strengthen the Council’s resilience.

After the presentation had been delivered, Members discussed the following points –

·       Members welcomed the proposal and thanked the Environmental Services Manager and his team for their work on the report.

·       It was noted that the policy had been developed with empathy and understanding at the forefront.

·       It was queried whether there had been any consultation or engagement to assess the level of interest for the service. Officers advised that by using the APPCC this would put the Council in contact with vets. The Council would also be working with Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) for the disposal of dangerous dogs as well as bringing animals deceased on the roadside to the facility.

·       Members questioned how confident officers were about the financial projections for the service. Officers assured Members that substantial research had been carried out with real-life market examples. Given that the human bereavement service was at a high standard, officers were confident that the pet cremation service would also be a success.

·       It was emphasised that communications with residents would be key when launching the service to make clear that the pet cremation service would be completely separate to the human cremation facilities. Officers advised that they planned to share video footage of the facilities as well as inviting residents to view them in-person once the service had been launched.

RESOLVED that

1)    the delivery of a pet cremation service at the Abbey Crematorium be approved.

RECOMMENDED that:-

2) A budget of £50,000.00 is added to the Capital Programme for 2026/27 within the Medium-Term Financial Plan for the purchase of the Pet Cremator Machine and all ancillary plant equipment associated with the delivery of this service.

3) the following fees be charged for the Pet Cremation service:

a) small pets £50 - £145;

b) cats £145 - £175; and

c) dogs £175 - £250