Agenda item

2014/15 Revenue and Capital Budgets

Joint Report of the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and the Corporate Director of Resources / Treasurer to the Joint Committee.

Minutes:

The Joint Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director Neighbourhood Services and Corporate Director Resources / Treasurer to the Joint Committee which set out for Members’ consideration proposals with regards to the 2014/15 Revenue and Capital Budgets for the Central Durham Crematorium (for copy see file of minutes).

 

The Head of Finance - Financial Services advised that the changes in comparison to the 2013/14 budget were set out within the report and highlighted the main points, including: the modern apprentice being now included within the budget; decisions on the redevelopment works being reflected; and realignment across a number of areas to better reflect current activity and costs.  Members were asked to note the inclusion of work relating to: the SAMP; the impact of the review of fees and charges; and consolidation of all cremation related costs within premises charges.  It was explained that the income projections were prudent, to reflect the  increased fee, however, acknowledging any potential reduction in the numbers of cremations the budgeted assumed numbers had been reduced.

The Joint Committee were reminded of proposals for an increased distribution of surplus to the constituent Authorities, which would be useful to both Authorities in the current period of austerity, and this was reflected in the report for Members’ consideration. 

Councillors were asked to note the movement of some funds into the general reserve to maintain a level of 30% of the gross income budget in line with the reserves policy agreed by the Joint Committee.

 

A question was raised as regards potential pension contribution increases as a result of recent changes.  The Head of Finance - Financial Services explained that the employers’ contribution for 2014/15 had increased marginally as the percentage had increased from 13.1% to 13.8%, however, in terms of the number of employees at the Crematorium this was a small increase.  The impact of this increase had been factored into the 2014/15 budget proposals.

 

Resolved:

 

(i)       That the Joint Committee note and approve the budget proposals contained within the report.

(ii)      That the forecast level of reserves and balances at 31 March 2015 be noted.

 

Supporting documents: