Agenda item

The Joint Committee received 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 677 cremations were undertaken during the period 1 January to 31 March 2024 which was 65 cremations less compared to the comparable period last year. It was noted that 196 families were from Durham, 30 from Spennymoor and 451 families were from other areas.

The total number of cremations in 2023/24 was 2,433 compared to 2,513 in 2022/23, which was a decrease of 80 cremations.

The 2023/24 budget was set at a prudent assumption of 2,200 cremations during the year. The actual number of cremations undertaken was therefore 233 more than the budgeted position. This was reflected in an over achievement of cremation fee income of £137,234 which was included in the budgetary control report.

The total number of direct cremations for 2023/24 was 138, an increase of 36 compared to the previous year.

The number and value of memorial plaques sold were 82 / £23,274 compared to 97 / £26,798 in the comparable period last year, a small decrease of 15 memorials sold and £3,524 in terms of income decreased.

With regards to staffing, a casual relief crematorium attendant had left the Authority and the remaining relief was covering a 10-month crematorium attendant appointment who had been appointed as Bereavement Officer. Following a recruitment process, two casual relief crematorium attendants had been appointed and commenced their duties on 2 April 2024.

It was reported that the Joint Conference of the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities and the Cremation Society of Great Britain would be held at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool from Monday 24 to Wednesday 26 June 2024. Arrangements would be made for the Chair and Bereavement Services Manager to attend the conference and represent the Joint Committee.

It was noted that the Crematorium was in the process of changing the current software provider for crematoria’s and cemeteries to a new provider Plotbox, following a soft market exercise and demonstrations from other providers.

In response to questions from Town Councillor D Ranyard with regards to the new software, the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar advised that training had already been provided and the new software would be fully operational by September 2024.

Town Councillor C Maddison queried whether the cheaper option of direct cremations had an impact on Durham Crematorium. The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar advised that direct cremations were allocated earlier time slots which did not affect scheduled service times and additional fees would be charged if additional services were requested.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be noted.