Councillor Wilkinson proposed her submitted motion, seconded by Councillor Wade.

After debate and being put to the vote, the motion was declared carried.

Council resolved to adopt the motion as set out below:

Council is sympathetic to the suffering of families in Oxford who experience the loss of stillborn babies, babies and children and wishes to support grieving parents as much as it can.

Council notes that the number of interments of stillborn babies, babies and children in Oxford during the financial year 2015/2016 was as follows:

Botley Cemetery – 7           

Headington Cemetery – 2      

Wolvercote Cemetery – 6

Total – 15

Council further notes that the average number of such interments between 1998 and 2016 has been 18 per year, with a peak of 23 in financial year 2007/2008.

Income for fees and charges for 2015/16 interments of stillborn babies, babies and children in Oxford totalled £5,100.

Council notes the debate on baby loss in the House of Commons on 13 October 2016 and the excellent support given by Sands Stillborn and Neonatal death charity, and understands that some local authorities do not make a charge in these circumstances.

Council therefore requests the Chief Executive to investigate whether a mechanism for waiving fees charged by the Council for the burial of children or stillborn babies of Oxford residents might be introduced.