Agenda item

Joint Report of the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Climate Change and the Corporate Director of Resources and Treasurer to the Joint Committee    

The Joint Committee considered a joint report of the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Climate Change and Corporate Director of Resources and Treasurer to the Joint Committee which set out details of the proposed fees and charges for the Central Durham Crematorium for 2024/25 (for copy see file of minutes).

The Finance Manager, Neighbourhoods and Climate Change highlighted the inflationary and cost pressures facing the crematorium and presented the proposal to increase the fees and charges for 2024/25 by £30 (3.77%) per cremation from £795 to £825, which was £101 below the average charges currently levied across the region. It was also suggested that a mid-year increase in fees and charges be considered, due to the widening gap between fees at Durham Crematorium and the average cremation fee across the region.

The Joint Committee discussed the proposed fees and charges noting inflation and rising costs. Durham Crematorium provided a good quality service and value for money, however there were concerns that Durham Crematorium fees fall too far behind other facilities which could raise questions that a more substandard service would be provided. The Joint Committee agreed that a mid-year increase be considered to reduce the widening gap in cremation fees across the region.

Resolved:

i)           That the proposed fees and charges at Appendix 2 effective from 1 April 2024, which sought to increase cremation charges by £30 (3.77%) per cremation from £795 to £825 (inclusive of £30 medical referee fee) be approved and be incorporated into the 2024/25 budget;

ii)          That a mid-year increase in fees and charges be considered, due to the widening gap between fees at Durham Crematorium and the average cremation fee across the region.