1)    that the Divisional Director of Place Operations seek customer feedback and undertake an evaluation of the Memorial Bench Policy and recommend any necessary changes to the Director of Pride in Place; and

2)    that the Director of Pride in Place implement any changes identified in the evaluation in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Pride in Place, Transport and Parking.

To respond to the Motion in respect of the Memorial Bench Policy.

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This decision will come into force and may be implemented on 31 December 2025 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

The Cabinet considered a motion in relation to the policy and pricing of Memorial Benches, notice of which was given in accordance with Standing Order A14.

The motion Promoter, Councillor Long and Supporter, Councillor George Darling requested the Cabinet consider instructing the Director of Pride in Place:

1)      to review the memorial bench policy and introduce a standard 15-year sponsorship model, with consultation at the end of the term for renewal or maintenance;

2)      to abolish the current zoning system and adopt a single, fair pricing structure across Torbay, in line with neighbouring authorities;

3)      that the Director of Finance be requested to set revised charges that are affordable and reasonable, while covering installation and maintenance costs.

·         Suggested benchmark: £2,200–£2,400 for a 15-year exclusive bench sponsorship (single rate across Torbay).

·         Shared plaques to be priced at £600–£650 per plaque

The Cabinet Member for Pride in Place, Transport and Parking, Councillor Billings advised the Cabinet of the following:

The Memorial Bench Policy was developed to address the demand from Torbay’s residents who wanted to honour the memory of their loved ones.  Since the implementation of the Policy families across Torbay have dedicated benches.  It was of note that both premier sea-front Zone 1 and residential Zone 2 options had been almost equally popular and that a sizable proportion of the take-up had been for the new shared dedication options. 

With the new Policy having been in place for 12 months it seemed appropriate to take further stock of customer feedback and consider whether changes to the Policy were required. 

In light of the above, Councillor Billings proposed and Councillor Chris Lewis seconded a motion that was agreed unanimously, as set out above.

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