Bereavement Services Service User Questionnaire 2013 (Quarter 2)

Services Users for feedback on the service provided by Bereavement Services

1) Floral Tribute area at L Hill dull and lifeless. 2) Problem with a bench in the chapel at Lodge Hill as insufficient room. 3) Annoyed that the office at Quinton is closed. 4) Cost of burial charges too high for none residents at Quinton Cem. 5) Area by the cremated remains plots at Quinton cemetery is uncultivated and scrubby. 6) A baby was buried in a public grave at Brandwood End Cem, family dissatisfied 7) A memorial permit was returned to the mason as the required signature was not present. This was upsetting to the family. 8) Gates at Handsworth cemetery were not opened on time. 9) Handsworth cemetery - Request for an early booking service for the Muslim community, single point of contact and contact numbers provided. 10) Saddened that Quinton office is closed as they like to do business face to face, instead used the telephone provided to contact KN office. 11) Witton Cem - in a poor state of repair, inadequate toilet facilities, fees scandalous, strimmers being used. 12) Lodge Hill - cremation service delayed as previous one overran, felt their service was rushed. 13) Sutton Crem - request that curtains were not drawn was not complied with. 14) Request for a shelter over the floral tribute area. 15) Handsworth - Toilets in very poor state. 16) Lodge Hill - Wrong version of music piece played.

1) Floral Tribute area at L Hill dull and lifeless. Additional floral display installed. 2) Problem with a bench in the chapel at Lodge Hill as insufficient room. Benches have been moved to allow more room in between. 3) Annoyed that the office at Quinton is closed. The decision to close the office was taken due to efficiency savings. 4) Cost of burial charges too high for none residents at Quinton Cem. Quinton cemetery is not in the Birmingham area although it is operated by BCC. Discussions are taking place re whether to apply a reduced fee for those living close to the cemetery is under review. 5) Area by the cremated remains plots at Quinton cemetery is uncultivated and scrubby. This area is on a reduced grass cutting specification. As it becomes developed the frequency of cuts will increase. 6) A baby was buried in a public grave at Brandwood End Cem, family dissatisfied A formal response was sent on 7 May advising that no memorials are permitted on these graves and the applicant applied and signed for this type of grave prior to the interment. As the funeral director arranged the funeral the expectation is that they would have discussed the requirements of the family in advance. 7) A memorial permit was returned to the mason as the required signature was not present. This was upsetting to the family. A formal response has been sent advising that the name of the applicant was not on record and the requirement for checks to ensure the correct person applies for a memorial permit. 8) Gates at Handsworth cemetery were not opened on time. This was due to snow conditions and the paths and roads had to be cleared. The funeral was not delayed. 9) Handsworth cemetery - Request for an early booking service for the Muslim community, single point of contact and contact numbers provided. An early booking service is already provided at Handsworth for all faiths and the majority of Muslim burials take place within 24 hours, where they do not this is usually due to family choice. Contact details are already provided. 10) Saddened that Quinton office is closed as they like to do business face to face, instead used the telephone provided to contact KN office. Arrangements can be made for an officer to meet on site if required. 11) Witton Cem - in a poor state of repair, inadequate toilet facilities, fees scandalous, strimmers being used. Grounds maintenance issues have been picked up with the contractor, toilets are due to be refurbished. 12) Lodge Hill - cremation service delayed as previous one overran, felt their service was rushed. Investigated - full service time was allocated and a formal response has been sent. 13) Sutton Crem - request that curtains were not drawn was not complied with. Investigated. 14) Request for a shelter over the floral tribute area. Quotation received but cost prohibitive at present. 15) Handsworth - Toilets in very poor state. Toilets due to be refurbished. 16) Lodge Hill - Wrong version of music piece played. Organist played the version supplied by FD. This matter has been taken up with the FD.