Issue - meetings

Report of the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar

The Joint Committee considered a report of the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar which provided Members with an update relating to performance and other operational matters (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Bereavement Services Manager reported that there were 246 cremations undertaken during the period 1 April 2022 to 31 May 2022, compared to 223 in the comparable period last year, an increase of 23 for the period.

In respect of the sale of memorial plaques the number and value of memorials sold of 13 / £2,568, compared to 18 / £4,014 in the comparable period last year, a decrease of 5 memorials sold (£1,446).

The Bereavement Services Manager and Register further went on to note that the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management ICCM Learning Convention and Exhibition was to be held from 26-28 September 2022, and would be hopefully attended by the both himself and the Chair.

With regard to the Recycling of Metals Scheme the extra funds from collections in 2021 had resulted being made available with a closing date of 1 July 2022. Children’s Cancer North had been nominated and a cheque for £12,000 had now been received. Arrangements to present this to the charity would be made in due course.

In conclusion the Bereavement Services Manager provided an update on the independent inspection of the new cremator replacement installation and the advised that the full report was appended to the report for information.

Resolved:

That the current performance of the crematorium be noted.

Report of the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar.

The Joint Committee considered a report of the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar which provided Members with an update relating to performance and other operational matters (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Bereavement Services Manager reported that there were 223 cremations undertaken during the period 1 April 2021 to 31 May 2021, compared to 428 in the comparable period last year, a decrease of 205 for the period. He explained that there has been a significant increase in cremations over the last 18 months due to Covid 19, however numbers in the current year were significantly lower than pre-Covid levels.

In respect of the sale of memorial plaques the number and value of memorials sold of 18 / £4,014, compares to 5 / £1,305 in the comparable period last year, an increase of 13 memorials sold (£2,709).

Moving on to the installation of the 2 new cremators with mercury abatement equipment to replace the existing cremators, the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar explained that whilstt work continued, the temporary cremator, which had been invaluable during Covid 19 was the main operational cremator.

He explained that following the removal of one of the existing cremators, work on the construction of the replacement cremator began on Tuesday 1 June and the project was currently on schedule as per the timetable contained in the report. A further update would be provided at the next meeting.

Resolved:

That the current performance of the crematorium be noted.