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 reported that 793 cremations were undertaken during the period 1 September to 31 December 2023, which was 7 cremations less compared to the comparable period last year. It was noted that 251 families were from Durham, 35 from Spennymoor and 507 families were from other areas.

The number and value of memorial plaques sold were 92 / £26,614 compared to 82 / £21,214 in the comparable period last year, an increase of 10 memorials sold and £5,400 in terms of income generated.

With regards to staffing, one casual relief crematorium attendants had now left the Authority and the remaining relief was now covering a 10-month appointment for one of the crematorium attendants, therefore 2 casual reliefs would be advertised.

An application for the Green Flag Award will be submitted for the 2024 award and progress will be reported back to future meetings. A management plan to maintain the required standards will be updated and any required works will be covered by existing budgets.

Collections in the second round of Metals nominations for 2023/24 had resulted in another round of nominations being made available, therefore two charities were nominated, READLEY - Asbestos and Mesothelioma Support and County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. A payment of £7,000 would be made to each charity.

St. Cuthbert’s Hospice had requested that they be allowed to continue to provide a Christmas tree again in 2024. The Hospice would supply the tree and decorations at no cost to the Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs had carried out a consultation on proposed new guidance that would replace the existing crematoria guidance PG5/2 (12). The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar responded to the consultation, however if some of the proposed new guidance was implemented then there would be additional costs involved for the service. From 1st January 2027, all cremators would need to be fitted with appropriate fuel and electricity metering. The fitting of Nitrogen oxide (NOx) equipment may be required in the future. Also increased costs with regards to emission testing would be required, as well as the removal of the CAMEO scheme. Once confirmation of the changes and additional costs were received, it would be factored into future budget setting.

In response to a query regarding the cremations breakdown, the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar advised that figures for Ushaw Moor were included in the Durham figures.

Resolved:

i)          That the report be noted;

ii)         That St. Cuthbert’s provide a Christmas tree for 2024 be agreed.