The DGFirst Management Committee (25 March 2014) is being recommended to agree reduced maintenance arrangements for little used cemeteries and open spaces across the region in order to make necessary budget savings of £200k.

An assessment of the number of interments over the last 5 years has identified cemeteries that are seldom used for new interments. The proposal is that the frequency of grass cutting in these cemeteries will in future be reduced to 3 times a year. However, assurance is given that, should an interment be needed, a pathway to the appropriate lair will be prepared along with a suitable area for mourners.

Following discussions with staff, open space areas have also been identified where it is proposed to reduce or stop grounds maintenance. These include areas where there are maintenance problems due to ground conditions. Assurances are given that paths will be cut to ensure that people can walk through safely and that all play areas and sports pitches will continue to be maintained.

The required savings options and service proposals to achieve the necessary savings were included in the budget report (savings option template 29) agreed by the Council (6 February 2014). Member seminars to discuss the options were held across the region in March 2014.

Councillor Stephen Thompson, chairman of DGFirst Management Committee, said, “Across our region, DGFirst manages and maintains 1,200 areas of ground and open space plus areas that have floral displays or planting. Our Council has to make savings of £27m over the next 3 years. It is absolutely essential that we prioritise where we need to spend money and where we can save money. Reducing or stopping grounds maintenance on little used areas is an obvious example of a savings opportunity.”