London Borough of Islington (24 021 419)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Cemeteries and crematoria 11-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about damage caused to a memorial bench near a relative’s grave. This is because Miss X has a right to take the matter to court.

Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council (24 008 972)

Statement Upheld Cemeteries and crematoria 05-May-2025

Summary: Mrs K complained the Council did not cut the grass in a cemetery, causing it to become overgrown and inaccessible. She also complains the Council did not respond to her complaint about this. We consider the fact the Council did not cut the grass to be service failure, and that there was fault because it did not respond to Mrs K’s complaint. It has agreed to apologise to her for this and offer her a remedy payment for her time and trouble.

Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council (24 020 231)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Cemeteries and crematoria 09-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a burial in the baby section of a cemetery. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault and injustice.

Telford & Wrekin Council (24 021 225)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Cemeteries and crematoria 25-Mar-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s maintenance of a cemetery hedge. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify an investigation.

Bury Metropolitan Borough Council (24 016 954)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Cemeteries and crematoria 28-Feb-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to require the removal of stone edging from a burial plot. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault on the Council’s part to warrant investigation.

Thurrock Council (24 007 203)

Statement Not upheld Cemeteries and crematoria 03-Feb-2025

Summary: Mr X complained that the Council failed to take the required precautions when digging a grave, causing it to be unsuitable for its intended use and causing damage to neighbouring headstones. We find no fault in the Council’s actions.

Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council (24 017 048)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Cemeteries and crematoria 16-Jan-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s refusal to accept liability for damage to his relative’s grave. This is because it is reasonable for Mr X to take the matter to court.

Coventry City Council (24 005 689)

Statement Not upheld Cemeteries and crematoria 08-Jan-2025

Summary: Mr X complained the Council did not take appropriate care of a cemetery where he visits his parents’ graves. He said this showed a lack of respect for the cemetery and caused him distress when he visited. We found no fault in how the Council acted.

London Borough of Islington (24 007 884)

Statement Not upheld Cemeteries and crematoria 17-Dec-2024

Summary: Miss X complains the Council installed a poor-quality memorial headstone. We have ended our investigation because further investigation would not achieve a worthwhile outcome.

Salford City Council (24 011 957)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Cemeteries and crematoria 11-Dec-2024

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to change the hours to access the Books of Remembrance at its crematoria. We consider an investigation is unlikely to lead to a different outcome.