Agenda item

Report of the Bereavement Services Manager.

The Bereavement Services Manager, Graham Harrison asked Members to note the performance figures from 1 April 2015 to 31 May 2015 and the comparison to the same period for 2014, highlighting that there was a net decrease of 17 cremations year on year.  It was noted there was a total of 353 for the three month period with the April to May profile breakdown showing 109 from Durham, 18 from Spennymoor and 226 from outside of the area.

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 £2,815 less than the comparable period last year.

The Joint Committee noted the continuing issue in respect of a long-term sickness and was reminded of the arrangements put in place for Durham County Council to provide assistance until such time as the employee returned to work.

The Joint Committee noted that the usual arrangements as regards attendance at the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Learning Convention and Exhibition, to be held 28 September to 30 September 2015, had been made for the Bereavement Services Manager and the Chairman.

Councillors noted that the Recycling of Metals Scheme had generated a sum of £4,487 for Macmillan Cancer Support and that a cheque had been presented to the organisation by Councillor M Plews, Councillor JV Graham and the Bereavement Services Manager.  Members noted a letter of thanks from the organisation attached to the report at Appendix 3.

The Bereavement Services Manager reminded Members of the recent circulation of Project Update No.7 in relation to the Crematorium Improvement Works, also attached at Appendix 4 for information. 

The Joint Committee noted that Phase 3 works had commenced the weekend of 11 April 2015 and the majority of the works would be undertaken over subsequent weekends.  Members noted works were progressing well and Funeral Directors were advised of the arrangements in place and continued to be supportive of the investment and improvements being made.

Councillor B Kellett noted a row within the table at Appendix 2 to the report was labelled “Morocco”, albeit with no number of cremations listed against it.  The Bereavement Services Manager explained that a service had taken place previously with the country of origin had been Morocco.   

Resolved:

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

(ii)                                                     That the continued long term sickness absence and arrangements put in place 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 2015 be approved.

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

(v)                                                    That the progress of Phase 3 works be noted.