Agenda item

Report of the Bereavement Services Manager.

The Bereavement Services Manager, Graham Harrison asked Members to note the performance figures from 1 June 2016 to 31 August 2016 and the comparison to the same period for 2015, highlighting that there was a net increase of 34 cremations year on year.  It was noted there was a total of 539 for the 3 month period with the June to August profile breakdown showing 168 from Durham, 23 from Spennymoor and 348 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 £50 less than the comparable period last year.

Councillors noted that for the fifth year running the Crematorium, in a joint bid with the South Road Cemetery, had achieved the Green Flag Award.  Members noted that the Recycling of Metals Scheme had generated a sum of £350,000 nationally in 2015/16 and that Diabetes UK had been nominated for the next available distribution of funds.

The Joint Committee noted there had been a slight delay to the Phase 4 works relating to the canopies, with these works almost complete and the Crematorium returning to 5 day operation from Monday, 3 October 2016.  The Bereavement Services Manager noted Members would be able to see the completed works during a brief tour after the meeting.

The Bereavement Services Manager referred Members to the Service Asset Management Plan (SAMP) appended to the report which set out a number of proposed works, set out by priority: urgent essential; priority 2; priority 3; and longer term works.  Members noted some of the works included replacement of the lectern in the chapel with one with an adjustable height and a coffee machine for the waiting room.

Councillor P Conway asked as regards the difference in amounts when looking at Niche sales, with this year having one sale at £222, and the previous having one sale at £1,150.  The Bereavement Services Manager noted that the higher figure had also included an inscription and an additional interment.

The Neighbourhood Protection Manager, Neighbourhood Services, Ian Hoult commended the work of the Officers involved with the improvement works, including the Bereavement Services Manager and Direct Services staff.  The Neighbourhood Protection Manager asked Members to reflect on the series of improvement works beginning with the replacement of the cremators and including: car park improvements; new book of remembrance building, increasing the size of the chapel; and most recently the new canopies. 

It was added that it had been a long journey and that, with the help of the Joint Committee and all the Officers involved, an excellent, quality facility was now in place providing a valued service to our Funeral Directors, Clergy and customers.    

          Resolved:

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

(ii)             That the continued success with the Green Flag Award be noted.

(iii)           That updated position with regards the Recycling of Metals Scheme be      noted.

(iv)           That the progress with regards the Phase 4 Improvement Works be noted.

(v)            That the Service Asset Management Plan be approved and factored into   budget planning in 2017/18 and beyond.