Agenda item

Report of the Bereavement Services Manager.

The Bereavement Services Manager, Graham Harrison asked Members to note the performance figures from 1 April 2016 to 31 May 2016 and the comparison to the same period for 2015, highlighting that there was a net increase of 28 cremations year on year.  It was noted there was a total of 381 for the three month period with the April to May profile breakdown showing 131 from Durham, 12 from Spennymoor and 238 from outside of the area.

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 £2,593 more than the comparable period last year.

The Joint Committee were reminded of the vacant Cremator Operative post that had been advertised and that upon being unsuccessful in recruiting to this post Members had agreed at the April meeting to advertise for a Trainee Cremator Operative. 

It was explained that following interviews an appointment had been made and the new member of staff had commenced on 13 June 2016 and was settling in very well.

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 31 October to 2 November 2016 in Oxfordshire, had been made for the Bereavement Services Manager and the Chairman.

Councillors noted that the Recycling of Metals Scheme had generated a sum of £4,444 for the British Heart Foundation and that a cheque had been presented to the organisation by Councillors M Plews and JV Graham.  Members noted a letter of thanks from the organisation and a photograph of the presentation were attached to the report at Appendix 3.

The Joint Committee noted that Phase 3 works on the canopies were progressing, with the old canopies having been removed, new posts installed ready to receive the new roof materials once delivered.

Resolved:

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

(ii)                 That the situation with regards to the Trainee Crematorium Operative      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 2016 be noted.

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

(v)                That the progress with regard to the Phase 3 Canopy Replacement             Works be noted.