Agenda item

Report of the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar.

The Bereavement Services Manager asked Members to note the performance figures from January 2019 to March 2019 and the comparison to the same period for 2018, highlighting that there was a net decrease of 21 cremations.  It was noted there was a total of 650 for the three-month period with the January to March 2019 profile breakdown showing 198 from Durham, 26 from Spennymoor and 426 from outside of the area.

Councillors were asked to note that the figure for the total number of cremations to 31 March 2019 was 2,392, compared to a prudent budget assumption of 2,200 cremations, representing an over-achievement in cremation fee income of £117,750.  Members noted comparative figures for the previous nine financial years, noting a nine-year average of 2,293 cremations.   

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 £11,096 in value terms.

The Joint Committee were asked to recall that at the February meeting it had been agreed to recruit to the vacant Crematorium Attendant post.  The Bereavement Services Manager noted there was one applicant, a current Relief Operative and they were appointed to the position.  Accordingly, the Bereavement Services Manager noted that in order to ensure business continuity it was proposed to advertise for additional Relief Cremator Operators who could work between both Durham and Mountsett Crematoria.

Councillors were asked to note that in respect of Wi-Fi connectivity being provided at the Crematorium, the equipment had now been installed successfully.

The Bereavement Services Manager explained the necessary arrangements would be made as regards representation at the Joint Conference of the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities and the Cremation Society of Great Britain, to be held at the Hilton Ageas Bowl, Southampton from Monday 1 to Wednesday 3 July 2019.

The Bereavement Services Manager informed Members that the Recycling of Metals Scheme had generated a sum of £7,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance and that arrangements had been made in respect of the cheque being presented to the charity.  Members were informed that additional funds from the scheme in 2018 had resulted in the first scheduled round of nominations commencing immediately to distribute those funds.

The Joint Committee noted that following an Internal Audit recommendation, a procurement exercise had been undertaken as regards entries into the Book of Remembrance.  It was explained that the exercise had been completed with the original company being successful, through providing the work at a slightly lower price.

The Chairman asked if there were any questions on the report, Members noted their thanks to the Bereavement Services Manager.

Resolved:

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

(ii)            That the current situation with regards the Crematorium Attendant’s post be noted.

(iii)          That the advertising for Relief Cremator Operators be agreed.

(iv)          That the installation of Wi-Fi at the Crematorium be noted.

(v)            That the attendance at the Joint Conference of the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities be noted.

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

(vii)        That the continuation of the current supplier with regards the Book of Remembrance be noted.