BCP COUNCIL has agreed to review how it operates its bereavement services.

The council has invited early informal interest from businesses and organisations in the bereavement industry and faith sector to help develop and expand its service to benefit residents.

They are exploring potential opportunities for external investment to help bring forward improvements and new initiatives, including the future of cremator provision across BCP.

BCP Bereavement Care operates Bournemouth and Poole Crematorium and manages and maintains nine cemeteries across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Councillor Millie Earl, deputy leader and portfolio holder for connected communities, said: “We have remained open and transparent about the council’s ongoing challenging financial situation, which requires us to do things differently.

“This approach is a positive example of us engaging with sector experts to help bring forward investment to benefit our residents.”

Cllr Earl added: “We want to deliver a bereavement service which reflects this changing landscape.

"Our current financial situation restricts us, but we are committed to removing barriers and bureaucracy to enable others to bring proposals to benefit residents across the BCP area.”

This consultation will remain live for four weeks, and bereavement-sector leads are encouraged to complete their expression of interest.

All information gathered during this early phase will be presented for consideration at a public cabinet meeting later this year.