Agenda item

Report of the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar

The Joint Committee received 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 742 cremations undertaken during the period 1 January to 31 March 2023, compared to 664 in the comparable period last year, an increase of 78 cremations for the period. It was noted that 224 families were from Durham, 40 from Spennymoor and 478 families were from other areas. The total number of cremations in 2022/23 was 2,513 compared with 2,306 in 2021/22, an increase of 207 cremations.

The number and value of memorial plaques sold were 97 / £26,798 compared to 93 / £24,412 in the comparable period last year, an increase of 4 memorials sold and £2,386 in terms of income generated.

It was reported that the Joint Conference of the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities and the Cremation Society of Great Britain conference was being held at Southampton from Monday 26 June to Wednesday 28 June 2023. Arrangements were be made for the Chair and Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar to attend the conference and represent the Joint Committee.

Referring to the Recycling of Metals Scheme, it was noted that ManHealth and the Teenage Cancer Trust each received a payment of £6,000 which was presented by the Chair in April 2023. It was noted that a new company was being trialled with regards to collection of metals for recycling which could increase distribution for charities.

Following queries from Town Councillors D Ranyard and C Maddison, the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar explained how the Recycling Metals Scheme worked and noted that the new local company offered more monitory value for the metals which would be shared out from the Scheme to benefit local charities. He added that there had been a couple of occasions were requests had been made for metals to be returned to families.

Resolved:

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

(ii)       That attendance at the Joint Conference of the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities and the Cremation Society of Great Britain be noted;

(iii)     That the distribution of recycling income to the respective charities be noted.