Agenda item

The Superintendent & Registrar presented the report which provided members with details of operational matters and performance in the first two months, plus details of the number of cremations undertaken in April and May 2011, and a project update and proposals for the introduction of a Pre-payment bond scheme. (for copy see file of minutes).

He then went on to provide a comprehensive report on the following:-

• Performance; Number of Cremations April & may (with comparisons against the same period in 2010)
• Operational Matters; Staffing Issues
• Nomination to Vice-President – ICCM
• Cremator Replacement & Crematoria Redevelopment Project
• Durham Crematorium Pre-payment Cremation Bond.
• Scatter Tubes.

It was reported that the existing vacancy within the service had been covered temporarily, however the post was critical to the ongoing operation and it was therefore proposed that the post be advertised internally in the first instance at both Durham County Council and Spennymoor Town Council.

With regard to the redevelopment project, Members had prior to the AGM undertaken a full site visit of the development works; Members were referred to Appendix 2 which fully detailed progress from May – June 2011. It was noted that all deadlines had been met and it was anticipated that the completed works would come within the approved cost envelope, with the two major risks to the project (foundations and steel erection) being successfully negotiated.

Further detail was then provided with relation to the proposed Pre-payment Cremation Bond scheme. It was reported that following the opening of Wear Valley Crematorium at Counden in 2009, the CDCJC had faced increased competition and although the impact had been relatively minor to date it felt, it was recognised that the Durham Crematorium needed to continue to maintain its market share as the Counden Crematorium becomes more established in the area.

It was therefore proposed that Durham Crematorium introduce a new scheme which would help secure future business in the form of a Pre-payment Cremation Bond. The price of the bond would be reviewed annually and a premium mark up had been suggested to protect against inflationary increases in fees and charges between sale and redemption.

It was further reported that due to increased demand from Funeral Directors, a small number of a new type of Urn for cremated remains called a ‘Scatter Tube’ had been purchased.

Councillor Stoker raised a query with regard to the time commitment placed on the Superintendent & Registrar by undertaking the roles and responsibilities that would come with the Vice-Presidency of the ICCM. Further clarification over the time spent in years one and two were provided.

Councillor Stoker further raised a point with regard to the introduction of a pre-payment bond scheme and premium fees. These concerns were clarified and it was noted that he scheme and fees would be kept under continual review.

Resolved:

• That the contents of this report with regards to current performance of the crematorium and progress with regards to the redevelopment project be noted;
• That the advertisement of the vacant post internally at Durham County Council and Spennymoor Town Council in August 2011 be approved.
• That the introduction of a Pre-Payment Bond which will be offered from 1^st October 2011 be approved.
• That Scatter Tubes be added to official Fees and Charges Sheet at a charge of £12.
• That the Joint Committee agree to support the nomination of the Superintendant and Registrar to Vice President of the ICCM.