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 800 cremations undertaken during the period 1 September to 31 December 2022, compared to 841 in the comparable period last year, a decrease of 41 cremations for the period. It was noted that 224 families were from Durham, 44 from Spennymoor and 532 families were from other areas. The number and value of memorial plaques sold were 82 / £21,214 compared to 88 / £22,591 in the comparable period last year, a decrease of 6 memorials and £1,377 in income.

It was noted that Central Durham Crematorium was successful in retaining its Green Flag award for the eleventh year running. An application would be submitted for the 2023 award and progress would be reported back to future meetings.

Referring to the Recycling of Metals Scheme, it was confirmed that two charities can now be nominated, therefore, ManHealth and Teenage Cancer Trust have been nominated in the second round of nomination. A response was expected by the end of March 2023.

It was reported that a number of staff vehicles had been damaged by members of the public and clergy who were parking in the designated staff parking area. Subject to Members approval, it was proposed that a barrier access control system be installed to prevent unauthorised access to the staff car park. A cost of £7,220 would be required to fund the work which could be undertaken using the current year budget underspends.

St. Cuthbert’s Hospice had requested that they be allowed to continue to provide a Christmas tree again in 2023. The Hospice supplies the tree and decorations at no cost to the Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee. St Cuthbert’s managed to raise £57.55 from donations from the sale of decorations in 2022.

Following discussions regarding the issues relating to the staff park, the Joint Committee agreed that an access control system was required as people were clearly ignoring the staff parking signage. The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar added that the system could be installed within 14 days.

Responding to a query relating to recycling metals, the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar explained that there was a specific section on the cremation paperwork for families who wanted metals to be returned.

Resolved:

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

(ii)   That the continued success with regards to the Green Flag Award be noted.

(iii) That the updated position with regards to the recycling of metals scheme be noted.

(iv)  That the installation of a barrier access control system to the staff car park be agreed.

(v)   That St Cuthbert’s Hospice to provide a Christmas tree for 2023 be agreed.