Agenda item

Joint Report of the Corporate Director of Resources / Treasurer to the

Joint Committee and the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local

Services.

The Joint Committee considered a joint report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services and Corporate Director of Resources which set out proposals with regards to the 2019/20 revenue budgets for Durham Crematorium (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Head of Finance and Transactional Services noted the report incorporated the information from the previous items, the support services SLA, fees and charges and issues in relation to the SAMP.  He explained that, as previously stated, there would be scope for a budget strategy paper following the completion of the loan for redevelopment works.

Councillor K Thompson noted the strong position of the crematorium and asked if there were any opportunities for economies of scale working with Mountsett Crematorium.  The Head of Finance and Transactional Services noted that there were already joint procurement exercises, for example in terms of the Book of Remembrance, document storage.  It was added that the Bereavement Services Manager managed both Durham and Mountsett Crematoria, in the past each having a separate Superintendent and Registrar.  He added that there was the potential for mutual aid should any issues arise.

Resolved:

(i)              That the revenue and capital budget proposals contained within the report and appendices be noted and approved.

(ii)             That the forecast level of reserves and balances at 31 March 2020 be noted.