Agenda item

Report of the Bereavement Services Manager

The Joint Committee considered a report of the Bereavement Services Manager, which provided members with a quarterly update relating to performance and operational matters (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Bereavement Services Manager reported performance figures from January 2017 to March 2017 and the comparison to the same period for 2016, highlighting that there was a net increase of 46 cremations. 

It was also noted there was a total of 395 cremations undertaken in the period 1 January to 31 March 2017. 218 of which were from Durham, 101 from Gateshead and 76 from outside of the area.  Councillors were asked to note that the figure for the total number of cremations to 31 March 2017 was 1,439 compared to a prudent budget assumption of 1,300 cremations, representing an over-achievement in cremation fee income of £90,295 in year. 

Regarding the sale of memorial plaques the Bereavement Services Manager asked Members to note the number of memorials sold in comparison to the same period the previous year, an increase of £2,535 in value terms.

Moving on to discuss operational matters, it was reported that the trainee crematorium operative had now been in post since December 2014 and was doing well in the position. The employee had indicated their willingness to enrol of the ICCM Diploma Course, the cost of which if agreed being partly met from the training budget.

Members noted that on 5 May 2017 the Bereavement Services Manager would have worked in the bereavement services industry for 30 years.  Members were asked if they wished to mark the occasion in some manner at the next meeting of the Joint Committee.

Details were also reported in respect of the Cremation and Burial Conference and Exhibition which would be taking place between 3 - 5 July 2017. The Bereavement Services Manager would be attending to represent the joint committee.

The Bereavement Services Manager further informed Members that the Recycling of Metals Scheme had generated a sum of £5,000 for Coping with Cancer North East and that arrangements were being made in respect of the cheque being presented to the charity. 

In conclusion the Bereavement Services Manager provided an update on works to replace cremators and associated extension works. He advised that during the groundwork phase, shale had been found which had delayed work by 2 weeks, however it was anticipated that work would still be completed on schedule. A monthly update on the works would be circulated to members during the course of development.

Councillor Jewell in reference to the ICCM training request queried whether there would be any conditions attached to the approval. In response the Bereavement Services Manager advised that conditions were included within the training contract signed by the employee.

Councillor Jewell further queried whether any effect had been seen on parking due to the reduced number of car parking spaces available due to ongoing works. The Bereavement Services Manager advised that cars were using the road towards the Plough Inn public house as overflow, however it was hoped that the stone currently placed on the car park would be moved by next week freeing up spaces.

Councillor Batey asked whether there would be any income from the recycling of the old cremators for scrap metal. It was noted that this rolled in to the tender contract with ATI.

The Chairman thanked the Bereavement Services Manager and asked him to leave while they discussed the issues in terms of the 30 years of service.

Members discussed the request and the Solicitor advised members that Durham County Council did not have a policy in place to recognise long service of employees, however the committee could arrange an informal recognition of his service should they so wish.

Resolved:

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

(ii)          That the request for a member of staff to be enrolled on the ICCM Diploma Course be agreed.

(iii)         That the committee agree to proceed with an informal recognition of long service for the Bereavement Services Manager.

(iv)         That the attendance at the Burial and Cremation conference be noted.

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

(vi)         That progress in regard to the cremator replacement programme be noted.