Decision details
Authority to extend contract for shared public Mortuary with Barnet & Harrow Council (Non-Key Officer Recordable Decision)
Decision Maker: Corporate Director of Residents and Housing Services
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Purpose:
To seek approval to extend the Inter Authority Agreement in respect of the public mortuary service based at Northwick Park Hospital with Barnet & Harrow Council.
Decision:
(1) To confirm previous approval for the extension of the Inter Authority Agreement relating to the public mortuary based at Northwick Park Hospital with Barnet & Harrow Councils.
(2) To approve execution of the Deed of Extension to extend the Inter Authority Agreement for a period of 12 months from 1 April 25 to 31 March 2026.
Reasons for the decision:
The Council entered into an Inter-Authority Agreement for a shared mortuary service based at Northwick Park Hospital with Barnet and Harrow Councilsdated 13 October 2015, and that commenced on 1 September 2015 (the 'IAA') for an initial term of ten years with an option to extend for a further five years.
The IAA's initial term was due to expire on 31 March 2025. However, the Parties agreed to extend it from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. Officers consider that the extension of the IAA will achieve best value for the Council and is reasonable in all the circumstances.
Alternative options considered:
Ending the contract would result in the service costing more for each local authority relating to staffing requirements. The service is a statutory service with a specialism, failure to deliver could lead to sanctions from the Human Tissue Authority.
Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:
None
Wards Affected: (All Wards);
Cabinet/Committee Decision or Scheme of Delegation: Officer Scheme of Delgation (Part 3 - Constitution)
Parties Consulted: The Lead Member has been consulted regarding this matter with agreement from Cabinet on 8th September 2025 to continue the IAA agreement for another 10 years.
Contact: Mandy Brammer, Head of Registration and Nationality Email: mandy.brammer@brent.gov.uk.
Publication date: 27/01/2026
Date of decision: 23/01/2026