GLAD THEY'VE SEEN SENSE…FINALLY

2.02.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 11th Sep 2006

Bereavement Services

Cllr Ann Denham (Lib Dem. Almondbury Ward) (Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment & Highways) is relieved that the new conservative administration has finally seen sense and decided to enter into a partnership with a private company to run the council's bereavement services.

(At the meeting of Kirklees Cabinet on Wednesday 13th Sept 2006, the Conservative run administration will give the go ahead for the tendering process to begin).

Cllr Denham says: "They [the conservatives] criticised the Lib Dem Cabinet when we made this important decision last year. Now that they are in control of the council, and actually in possession of the facts, it turns out that they actually agree with us! One minute it is the worst idea in the world and the next the tendering process is beginning! What sort of message does this send out to people?"

Cllr Denham: "I was actually very concerned that the new administration would reverse this decision. Bereavement services are a very important issue with people. Whilst Kirklees has always provided a good quality service, there are areas where significant improvements must be made. The maintenance of our cemeteries and commemorative spaces, for example. The council could not afford to do this in the long term without help. Entering into a partnership was and is the best way of securing the long term future of the type of bereavement services residents expect and deserve.

Cllr Denham concluded: "I am pleased the new administration has finally arrived at seeing sense and won't block this important development in the area. I only wish they hadn't tarnished the idea unduly before last May's election."