Agenda item

Quarterly Report

The Superintendent and Registrar, Alan José asked Members to note the performance figures from April to August 2011 and the comparison to the same period for 2010, highlighting that there was a net decrease of 67 cremations.  Members were informed that this was not unexpected when factoring in the reduction in death rate and the increase in burial numbers currently being experienced.  The Joint Committee noted that this was not thought to be as a result of cremations having been lost to the Crematorium at Coundon, with that facility only having around 400 cremations annually.  The Superintendent and Registrar reminded Members that a prudent estimate was included in the budgets, providing for 150 less cremations this year compared with last year, due to the ongoing Cremator Replacement and associated works albeit there had been no disruption to services by the scheme of works.  Members also noted that the number of memorials sold was in line with the equivalent period last year and were given a break down of the types sold.

The Joint Committee learned that the Job Description Document for the vacant Cremator Operator post had been finalised and advertised internally between the two constituent Authorities.  Members were advised that it was hoped that any successful applicant would be appointed around October - November 2011, and in the interim the temporary member of staff was continuing in the role to ensure full staff provision.

The Superintendent and Registrar explained the updated position regarding the Cremator Replacement and Crematoria Redevelopment Project noting the new extension was watertight and secure and a temporary access was in use for the time being.  Members noted the large receiving chamber and access around the three bays that would house the three new cremators the central cremator being a “large” cremator placed opposite the receiving doors.  The Superintendent and Registrar noted the work of the Section Manager, Design Services, Richard Fenwick and the Team was running very smoothly with monthly update meetings and the results so far were excellent. 

Members noted that the central heating equipment had been installed, together with the requisite pipework, lighting and electrical cabling and some temporary lighting was in place ready for IFZW to begin the installation of the new cremator equipment, scheduled for 18 weeks to be followed by an independent testing phase.  Members noted that the IFZW equipment was the same as installed at the Crematorium at Newcastle and that their equipment had successfully passed testing, far exceeding the criteria as set out by legislation.  Councillors were advised that the new drainage services had been completed and that the service yard was almost complete, with a wall not being constructed until after IFZW had completed their works, to enable easier access.  The Superintendent and Registrar explained that the boiler equipment was in place and the formal handover of the new extension would take place on 30 September 2011.

The Joint Committee were reminded of the Green Flag Award which was given to good quality parks and open spaces and that the Crematorium, in a joint bid with the South Road Cemetery, had been successful in receiving the accreditation. 

Members were reminded that this was in addition to the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium (ICCM) “Gold Star Status” awarded earlier in the year.

Councillors noted that the Superintendent and Registrar had been asked to stand for the position of Vice-President of the ICCM.  Members learned that following a vote the Superintendent and Registrar of Mortlake Crematorium, Natasha Bradshaw was appointed as Vice-President of the ICCM for the 2011/12 period.

The Superintendent and Registrar noted that he and the Chair of the Joint Committee had attended the Annual International Conference of Cremation and Burial Authorities in Bristol held 4 – 6 July 2011.  Members noted a comprehensive account set out as an appendix to the report with the main points being:

·        It was likely that the total number of abated Cremations in 2013 and onwards will be around 70% of the total, exceeding the Government’s original target of 50%

·        There would be a requirement to fit an individual gas meter to each Cremator, the independent testing to be carried out over 4 cremations per Cremator and additional requirements for monthly and six monthly reports to be sent to the Regulator.

The Joint Committee were reminded that during the works to provide the new car parking provision, a foul drain had been noted to be in very poor condition and accordingly a full Drain Survey was carried out by Lanes Drains and this had highlighted a number of sections that were in poor condition, several having collapsed.  Members noted that the estimated costs to rectify the problems identified was £30,000 as outlined in the Financial Report within the agenda papers.

The Superintendent and Registrar added that the Pre-Payment Bond, as agreed in principal at the meeting of the Joint Committee on 29 June 2011, was proposed for introduction from 1 October 2011, subject to confirmation regarding registration requirements from the Financial Services Authority (FSA). 

Members noted that discussions with the FSA were ongoing, in consultation with Durham County Council’s Legal Section, and that if required registration would cost around £1,500 with the process taking approximately 6 months. It was noted that the scheme would not be introduced until the FSA requirements were fully addressed.

The Joint Committee were informed that the Crematorium had been approached by St. Cuthbert’s Hospice as regards a “Tree of Life” as part of the Hospice’s “Light up a Life” campaign which would run during late November and December.  Members were made aware the proposal was for a Christmas Tree to be provided to the Crematorium to allow mourners and visitors the opportunity to place personal messages on the tree and make a donation to St. Cuthbert’s Hospice if they so wished. 

Members were asked whether they would agree to the proposal, noting that a similar scheme had been in operation at Middlesbrough Crematorium and had proved sufficiently popular that it became a permanent feature.

The Superintendent and Registrar concluded by noting, for information of the Joint Committee, that changes to improve the process of Death Certification due to come into effect April 2012 had been put back to April 2013 as the Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) that would have administered the scheme were to be abolished and now Local Authorities would need to administer the process, appointing a Local Medical Examiner’s Service.

Councillor D Stoker asked whether there was potential for thieves to target the Crematorium as metal theft was reported as increasing nationally.  The Superintendent and Registrar noted that whilst the original Crematorium building roof was copper, the new extension was a substitute material that looked like copper that had attainted the blue-green patina.  The Superintendent and Registrar did take on board Councillor D Stoker’s comment and information as regards the appropriate Police Officer to speak to as regards “Smart Water” marking of materials.

Members debated the issue of the “Tree of Life” proposal and Members agreed that it would be beneficial to both mourners at the Crematorium and to St. Cuthbert’s Hospice.

Resolved:

That the Joint Committee:

(i)         Note the update report in relation to current performance of the             Crematorium.

(ii)        Note the progress and advertising date of the vacant post.

(iii)       Note the progress with regards to the Cremator Replacement and       Crematoria Redevelopment Project. 

(iv)       Note the achievement of obtaining the Green Flag Award.

(v)        Note the result of the Nomination for Vice-President of the ICCM.

(vi)       Note the information with regards the International Conference of          Cremation and Burial Authorities.

(vii)      Note the progress with regards to the Crematorium Drains and             associated costs.

(viii)     Note the current situation with regards the Pre-Payment Bond Scheme.

(ix)       Agree that Durham Crematorium work with St. Cuthbert’s Hospice       “Light up a Life” campaign in 2011 with a review of the project at the      meeting of the Joint Committee in January 2012.

(x)        Note the current situation with regards to the Death Certification           changes.