Agenda item

Fees and Charges 2012/13.

The Head of Finance (Financial Services) presented the report which set out details of the proposed fees and charges for the Central Durham Crematorium for 2012/13 (for copy, see file of Minutes).

The Joint Committee noted that the proposed fees and charges for Central Durham Crematorium for the coming financial year were in line with those proposed for Mountsett Crematorium.

In response to a query from Councillor D Stoker, the Superintendent and Registrar clarified the reasons for the proposed increase in the calligraphy charge.

In response to Councillor G Holland, the Superintendent and Registrar advised that the 5% increase in fees and charges had been calculated by looking at the balanced budget for the coming year.  High reserves had always been a priority as with high building maintenance costs, such reserves could be called upon at any time.  Furthermore, items had been removed from the current years expenditure budget and as such had been rolled over into the forthcoming years budget.

The Head of Finance (Financial Services) also advised that inflation pressures allowed for a modest increase in fees and charges and highlighted that a substantial amount of reserves had been used towards the redevelopment project.

Resolved:

(i)        That the proposed fees and charges as at Appendix 2 of the report, effective from 1 April 2012, be approved;

(ii)       That the increase in pricing for inserts to the Book of Remembrance, effective from 1 April 2012, be approved;

(iii)      That the proposed treatment of the Cremation Pre-Payment Bond income (subject to FSA approval) be noted;

(iv)       That all approved fees and charges be incorporated into the 2012/13 budget.