We aim to deliver a high-quality bereavement service to all our visitors and citizens. We want to provide a source of comfort, closure and reflection for all within our cemeteries and crematoria.
If you believe the below standards are not being met, please contact us by:
- phone on 020 7926 4221
- email at bereavementservices@lambeth.gov.uk
General standards
- Phone calls are answered within 30 seconds.
- Written correspondence is acknowledged within 10 working days.
- Email correspondence is acknowledged within 2 working days.
- Complaints are acknowledged in 2 working days and we aim to send a full response within 20 working days.
Cremation standards
Cremation services are arranged as required with the statutory paperwork delivered no less than 48 hours before the proposed cremation.
- Memorial guidance and literature is posted to the applicant within 14 days of the cremation.
- Collection of cremated remains is possible within 24 hours (with advanced notice).
- Overseas certificate and register extracts are available with one working days’ notice.
Burial standards
- Burial services are arranged as requested, but this is dependent on the production of the statutory paperwork.
- Exclusive Right of Burial paperwork will be posted to the principal grave owner within 8 weeks after the burial has taken place*
- Cemetery regulations will be available to view on demand in working hours.
*This may change due to the level of accuracy and detail needed to administer deeds.
Admin standards
- Grave search written applications are processed within 28 working days of receipt.
- Transfer of ownership applications are processed within 21 working days of receipt.
- Memorial permits are processed within 21 working days of receipt.
- Applications for dedications are processed within 5 working days of receipt and once a proof is agreed, will be in place dependent on memorial supplier timeframes.
- Book of Memory dedications will be processed within 5 working days of receipt and they will be available to view dependent on the chosen date.
Grounds maintenance standards
- Grass-cutting is carried out throughout the year, so long as ground conditions are suitable.
- Main burial areas will be cut to amenity standards with cutting carried out approximately every 5 to 6 weeks.
- Designated conservation areas, usually sited in Victorian burial areas, will be cut annually in autumn.
- Formal sections, including the Gardens of Remembrance and entrances, will be cut to lawn standards dependent on the funeral directory.
- Flower beds are weeded and maintained every 4 weeks.
- Grave top-ups will be carried out within 4 weeks of receipt, but please note that this may carry a fee.
- Litter bins are emptied every week and litter picking is carried out every 2 weeks as required.
- Please note that grave maintenance is the responsibility of the individual grave owner.