Agenda item

Report of the Bereavement Services Manager.

The Bereavement Services Manager, Graham Harrison asked Members to note the performance figures from 1 April 2014 to 31 May 2014 and the comparison to the same period for 2013, highlighting that there was a net decrease of 23 cremations year on year.  It was noted there was a total of 370 for the three month period with the April to May profile breakdown showing 120 from Durham, 20 from Spennymoor and 230 from outside of the area.  Members noted that the total number of cremations for 2013/14 was 2,227, estimates had been made on a prudent basis for the 2014/15 budget of 2,200 cremations. 

Members were reminded of the introduction of a reduced charge for early services, and noted this had been received well by Funeral Directors.

The Bereavement Services Manager explained that a survey of Funeral Directors had been undertaken and they confirmed that numbers varied week on week, however, the Funeral Directors reiterated that they valued the facility and staff at Durham Crematorium. 

It was added that a small number of Funeral Directors in close proximity to Coundon Crematorium had noted the additional fuel costs in travelling to Durham Crematorium for services was a deciding factor in considering which facility to use.

Members were asked to note that the number of memorials sold had increased in comparison to the same period the previous year, with sales being £367.96 more than the comparable period last year.

The Joint Committee noted that the usual arrangements as regards attendance at the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Learning Convention and Exhibition 2014, held 29 September to 1 October 2014, had been made for the Bereavement Services Manager and the Chairman.

Councillors noted that the Recycling of Metals Scheme had generated a sum of £4,412 for Macmillan Cancer Support.  The Bereavement Services Manager noted Members could provider further nominations as regards charities that could benefit from the scheme.  A schedule of potential beneficiaries was included in the report.

The Joint Committee noted that following discussions with the DCC publicity team content for a draft brochure had been prepared.  The Bereavement Services Manager noted that the draft brochure would be presented to the Chairman and Vice-Chairman for review and sign-off, with a final version to be brought to the next meeting of the Joint Committee for information.

The Bereavement Services Manager confirmed the schedule as regards Phase I and II works was now agreed and reminded Members there was no requirement for a planning application for these works.  Members noted that Phase III works could begin in April 2015, subject to a decision by the Joint Committee at its meeting in January 2015, and any necessary planning permission being obtained.

The Chairman asked Members for nominations for charities to benefit from the Recycling of Metals Scheme.  Councillors proposed St Cuthbert’s Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support, with the Bereavement Services Manager noting the two could be accommodated with one for the September/October tranche, one for the April tranche.

Resolved:

(i)          That the current performance of the Crematorium be noted.

(ii)         That the current performance with regards to the sale of Memorials be         noted.

(iii)       That the attendance of the Chairman and the Bereavement Services         Manager at the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management         (ICCM) Learning Convention and Exhibition 2014 be approved.

(iv)       That the current tranche of money from the recycling of metals scheme       to Macmillan Cancer Support be noted, with Members nominating further      charities for future disbursements: St. Cuthbert’s Hospice and Macmillan      Cancer Support.

(v)        That the timetable for the redevelopment works be noted for Phase I and    II.