Council chiefs in Wakefield will discuss changes to the burials policy for faith groups who request out of-hours burials.
As reported in the YEP last year, a corporate performance overview and scrutiny committee made the decision that staff should be on standby to arrange for burials 24 hours a day.
On Tuesday the committee will look at whether or not the policy is meeting the needs of families from all faiths.
A report to the committee said the council takes an average of 12 requests per year for out-of-hours burials.
It added that a review of policy had also been launched following one incident where no staff were available to arrange a burial.
The service has undergone several changes over the last few years so that burials can be arranged more quickly.
In April 2010 it was extended so that staff would take calls on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
The report said: “Some faith groups prefer burial to take place as soon as possible after death. Reviewing the out-of-hours burial policy will help to improve services and support bereaved families.”
Comments