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.

Sunderland City Council (23 020 962)

Statement Upheld Cemeteries and crematoria 09-Dec-2024

Summary: Mrs X complained the Council removed her family’s memorial tree in a crematorium without warning. Mrs X said this caused unnecessary and avoidable distress to the family who visit the site nearly every week. We find the Council at fault, and this caused injustice. The Council has agreed to make a payment to Mrs X.

Manchester City Council (24 001 495)

Statement Not upheld Cemeteries and crematoria 18-Nov-2024

Summary: Ms P complains her father’s funeral service was disrupted by the late arrival of a separate funeral party. Although the Council has accepted there were additional steps crematorium staff could have taken to manage the situation, we do not consider this means the Council can reasonably be found to have been fault on the day. The Council has also offered to refund the full costs of the service, which is the most we would recommend if we did find fault. We have therefore completed our investigation.