Council launches new Civil Funeral Service  

26 October 2026

Colleagues in the Registrars Team will soon operate a Civil Funeral Service, increasing the support offered to residents following bereavement.  

Cabinet has approved a 12-month trial of the proposal after it was also considered by the Resources Scrutiny Committee.  

This will provide residents across the Vale with access to personalised, non-religious and bilingual funeral ceremonies at a competitive price, delivered by trained registrars.  

Bolstering the help available to people at such a challenging time links closely with Vale 2030, our Corporate Plan, specifically the wellbeing objective to ‘protect and support those who need us.'  

It also aligns with the Reshaping Programme by transforming the way this service is delivered, ensuring sustainability, efficiency, and responsiveness to community needs.  

Hayley Jefferies, Superintendent Registrar, said: “Every year, our Registration Service supports more than 1,000 people following the death of a loved one, giving us a unique opportunity to offer help and guidance at what is often one of the most difficult times in a person's life. This new service will build on that existing relationship and mean we can do even more to support residents when they need us most.  

“By harnessing the skills and expertise that already exist within our Registration Team, we can offer residents compassionate, accessible and meaningful support when they deal with a bereavement."  

This pilot will also see the introduction of a committal service for those who receive a public health funeral, helping to ensure all residents receive a dignified farewell regardless of their personal circumstances.  

Additional bereavement resources will also be developed, including further signposting to wellbeing support.  

It is hoped this can help meet growing demand for non-religious ceremonies as increasing numbers of residents favour personalised celebrations of life.  

The service will be assessed over the next year, with that information used to inform decisions about its longer-term future.