That SWISCo be instructed to implement a Memorial Bench Policy mapping benches to locations and contacting those people who have requested a bench to be offered one with the pricing as indicated below:

Sponsorship opportunities to be offered on all vacant benches, based on a five year agreement (lifespan of bench) for a cost of £2400 Zone 1 – premier sites, such as Torquay seafront, Babbacombe Downs, Preston and Paignton Seafront and Harbours or £1600 Zone 2 – non premier local sites;

Opportunities to be offered for shared sponsorship – maximum three per bench for £850 Zone 1 and £550 for Zone 2;

Sponsorship will include installation of new bench and maintenance for a five year period with an option to extend this period to 25 years with the cost in line with that longer period of maintenance; and

Upon the conclusion of the five year term the maintenance period lapses, the bench would not be removed unless required owing to the condition of the bench itself.

The Corporate Plan includes a range of themes and priority objectives in respect of Pride in Place. Implementing this policy supports the Council’s ambition to protect and enhance our lived, built and natural environments, including our green spaces. It also provides for residents a valuable opportunity to offer a memorial for a loved one

To do nothing, this option was discounted given the historic support for memorial benches and the requirement to ensure that there was an agreed policy.

This decision will be implemented immediately.

From time to time the Council receives requests from members of the public who wish to place a Memorial Bench or rededicate a bench within a public open space owned by the Council. In 2024 it was agreed that the process for considering requests needed to be revised to ensure a consistent approach to the provision of Memorial Benches on Council owned or maintained land.

There is no legislative requirement for the provision of memorial benches although it is accepted that they provide a useful public amenity as well as improving and adding value to the environment.

Memorial Benches within cemeteries are covered by the individual rules and regulations of each cemetery due to the particularly sensitive management arrangements covering these areas.

As demands on Council services, including those relating to parks and open spaces increase, more consideration of the level of infrastructure that can be provided and maintained is required. The quality of Memorial Benches is an important consideration to avoid introducing assets which are onerous to maintain or have a poor life expectancy. On this basis the process should continue to seek contributions towards Memorial Benches for appropriate locations in the public open spaces the Council owns and manages.

The principles within the process along with a formal application process will ensure that requests for Memorial Benches and trees are responded to in a consistent, efficient and helpful manner.

The majority of benches have been in situ for over 10 years. These benches have been dedicated to loved ones under a variety of agreements, most of which are for a 10-year period which has now expired and where new agreements are required.

The memorial bench policy was developed in the summer of 2024 and briefed to the portfolio holder and group leaders in September and October 2024.

None