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 Members with an update relating to performance and other operational matters (for copy see file of minutes).

The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar reported that there were 375 cremations undertaken during the period 1 April 2022 to 31 May 2022, compared to 287 in the comparable period last year, and increase of 88 cremations for the period. It was noted that 112 families were from Durham, 10 from Spennymoor and 253 families were from other areas.

The number and value of memorial plaques sold were 45 / £12,451 compared to 54 / £15,970 in the comparable period last year, a decrease of 9 memorials and £3,519 in income.

It was noted that the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Learning Convention and Exhibition was to be held from 26 to 28 September 2022. It was proposed that the Bereavement Services Manager and Register and the Chair attend the conference to represent the Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee.

With reference to the Recycling of Metals Scheme, the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar advised that extra funds from collections in 2021 had resulted in additional funds being made available with Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care being nominated to receive £12,000.

Responding to a query from Town Councillor D Ranyard, the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar confirmed that he had received his nomination which would be considered in the next funding round.

Resolved:

That the current performance of the crematorium be noted.