Agenda item

Report of the Corporate Director of Neighbourhood Services –

Bereavement Services Manager, Neighbourhood Services.

The Bereavement Services Manager, Graham Harrison asked Members to note the performance figures from 1 September 2014 to 31 December 2014 and the comparison to the same period for 2013, highlighting that there was a net increase of 5 cremations.  It was noted there was a total of 737 for the three month period with the September to December profile breakdown showing 210 from Durham, 36 from Spennymoor and 489 from outside of the area.  Members noted that the initial 2014/15 income budget estimate was 2,200, with current estimates based on the first 9 months of the year being for an outturn position of 2,144 cremations which would be 56 less than budget and an underachievement of cremation fee income of £35,280.

Members were asked to note that the number of memorials sold had decreased in comparison to the same period the previous year, with sales being £12,520 less than the comparable period last year.  It was added that the figure from the previous year coincided with a large number of renewals, therefore a year on year comparison was not appropriate.

It was explained that the Business Administration Apprentice had continued to work well with the team and had proved to be a valuable asset to the Crematorium.  Members noted that the two year fixed term contract for the apprentice position was due to come to an end on 15 September 2015 and Members were asked whether they would wish for either: a full-time Technical Assistant post to be created at the Crematorium, incurring an additional cost of £10,000 per year; or that an advert be placed for a replacement Business Administration Apprentice for when the current post ends in September 2015.  Members noted that the recommendation was to create a full-time Technical Assistant.

The Joint Committee was informed that, in line with previous years, a joint application with the South Road Cemetery would be submitted to retain the Green Flag status and that the Recycling of Metals Scheme had generated a sum of £3,333 for St. Cuthbert’s Hospice.  The Bereavement Services Manager also explained that the Christmas Tree provided by St. Cuthbert’s Hospice had been very popular and St. Cuthbert’s had asked if they could provide a tree for Christmas 2015, at no cost to the Crematorium, and no other organisation had requested to place a tree. 

The Bereavement Services Manager confirmed that Phase 1 works had been completed ahead of schedule on 3 November 2014 and the overall works remain on budget.  It was noted that Phase 2 works began on 15 November 2014, with a turf-cutting ceremony with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee held on 25 November 2015, which was also an opportunity to officially open Phase 1.

The Joint Committee noted that the new cremators as supplied by IFZW had been in-situ since May 2012 and monitoring of the energy use had shown that the cremators had continued to run more efficiently with an associated reduction in gas consumption as they bedded in and staff become more proficient in their usage.

Members asked questions in relation to whether the apprentice position should be retained and, if the Technical Assistant post was created, whether the position would be subject to open competition.  The Bereavement Services Manager noted that should Members agree to the Technical Assistant being created, it would be advertised internally at both Durham County Council and Spennymoor Town Council.  Councillor K Thompson suggest the apprentice position should be retained, the remaining Members agreed that a Technical Assistant Post be created.  

          Resolved:

(i)                                                      That the current performance of the Crematorium and monitoring against   budget be noted.

(ii)                                                     That a full-time Technical Assistant post be created from September 2015.

(iii)                                                    That the application for the 2015 Green Flag Award be noted.

(iv)                                                   That the distribution of recycling income to respective charities be noted.

(v)                                                    That St. Cuthbert’s Hospice be allowed to supply a charity Christmas Tree       for 2015.

(vi)                                                   That the progress with Phase 2 works at the Crematorium be noted.

(vii)                                                  That the gas and energy usage performance of the three cremators be          noted.