Issue - meetings

The Joint Committee considered a joint report of the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Climate Change and the Corporate Director of Resources and Treasurer to the Joint Committee which set out details of a proposed mid-year increase in cremation fees for Mountsett Crematorium for 2024/25, as agreed at the January 2024 meeting of the Joint Committee (for copy see file of minutes).

The Principal Accountant highlighted that Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee agreed a mid-year fee increase of £50 at its meeting on the 28 June 2024. It was felt that the proposed £80 increase was too high, therefore as Mountsett Crematorium and Durham Crematorium fees were harmonised, it was proposed that an increase of £50 effective from 1 October 2024 be supported.

The Principal Accountant presented the report and advised that benchmarking with other crematoriums across the region showed that 2024/25 cremation fees at Mountsett Crematorium were £162 lower than the average for the region and this gap had widening over recent years. Fee increases were usually only implemented in April, however, a mid-year fee increase was proposed to help prevent the gap from widening further. It was noted that with the £50 increase, Mountsett Crematorium would still be £112 below the regional average. The charges for direct cremations and discounted earlier slots to allow for choice and help families with cheaper options were proposed to remain the same for 2024/25.

The Chair commented that she was not in favour of fee increases. She acknowledged that the gap was widening between other facilities in the region and felt that the Crematorium were able to cover costs and still make money. However, if the Joint Committee were minded to agree a mid-year fee increase, she felt that £50 was more acceptable than the original proposal.

Councillor P Heaviside looked at the figures suggesting that the cost for a cremation was roughly £693 per unit which highlighted a small loss with regards to direct cremations.

Councillor M Walton acknowledged the benefits in providing a low cost service, however commented on the financial pressures and the increase would help maintain the grounds and maintain Mountsett’s good reputation.

The Principal Accountant advised that with the increase, Mountsett Crematorium fees would still be £112 below the regional average and other facilities in the area would be increasing fees which would widen the gap further. The Neighbourhood Protection Manager added that the Team had researched where people were traveling from and provided the figures from neighbouring Authorities in the report, noting that with the increase, Mountsett Crematorium remained the lowest price in the region. He highlighted the importance of building reserves to invest in the service and deliver projects outlined in the Asset Management Plan. He agreed that Mountsett Crematorium had a great reputation and commended the Crematorium staff from their dedication in providing a high-quality service. 

Following further discussions, the Neighbourhood Protection Manager suggested that a survey be undertaken with funeral directors to gather further information and how they valued the service.

Resolved:

i)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13