Agenda item

Report of the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar

The Joint Committee considered a report of the Bereavement Services

Manager and Registrar which provided an update relating to performance and other operational matters (for copy see file of minutes).

The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar provided a summary of the performance figures from 1 January to 31 March 2022 in comparison to the same period for the previous two years. It was noted that the total number of cremations in 2021/22 was 2,306 compared with 2,738 in 2020/21, a decrease of 432 cremations, which was due to the Covid pandemic peak in 2020/21. There had been an increase of 27 memorials sold in the same period last year and £5,284 in terms of income generated.

The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar reported that webcasts of services for families who were unable to attend was still popular and advised that they had been able to reduce some associated costs which had been passed onto families.

Members were advised that the Joint Conference of the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities and the Cremation Society of Great Britain was being held at the Hilton Ageas Bowl, Southampton from Monday 20 to Wednesday 22 June 2022. Arrangements could be made if any Member wished to attend the conference.

With reference to the Recycling of Metals Scheme, the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar advised that the closing date for the new round of charity nominations was midnight on 1 July 2022. It was noted that one nomination had been received and if members would like to nominate any other charities, they should forward nominations to the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar.

Referring to the joint conference of the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities and the Cremation Society of Great Britain, the Chair asked if any members wished to attend the conference. It was suggested that the Chair and Deputy Chair attend the conference. Councillor Blakey offered to go if the Deputy Chair was unable to attend. The Chair added that the last conference was very informative and the new technology that was presented would provide families in County Durham with more choice.

County Councillor S Quinn queried the impact of Coundon Crematorium with regards to cremation figures. The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar advised there was very little impact on figures. Councillor Quinn added that families were not aware that Durham Crematorium provide a more value for money service and suggested it was something that should be promoted.

Resolved:

i)    That the current performance of the crematorium be noted;

ii)   That the date of the Joint Conference of the Federation of

      Burial and Cremation Authorities and the Cremation Society of

      Great Britain be noted and the Bereavement Services Manager be informed of any representation from the Joint Committee;

iii) That the response from Chyrelle Addams Cancer Support

      Trust be noted.