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 539 cremations were undertaken during the period 1 June to 31 August 2024 which was a decrease in 49 cremations compared to the comparable period last year. It was noted that 148 families were from Durham, 18 from Spennymoor and 373 families were from other areas.

The number and value of memorial plaques sold were 70 / £16,338 compared to 69 / £17,471 in the comparable period last year, an increase of 1 memorial sold a decrease of £1,133 in terms of income.

With regards to operational matters, a member of staff had indicated that they wished to undertake the ICCM Diploma in Cemetery and Crematorium Management with a total cost of £4,380.

The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar was pleased to announce that Durham Crematorium had successfully obtained the Green Flag Award for the thirteenth year running, which was testament to the dedication of crematorium staff and comes on top of the Gold Star Status award in the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management Accreditation.

The Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities had recently carried out a crematorium compliance visit. The report was attached at Appendix 3 for Members information.

Referring to the Service Asset Management Plan, the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar advised that the plan had been reviewed and updated to provide further direction and highlighted future budget pressures. It was noted that £244,000 had been estimated for Priority 1 essential works for 2025/26 and would need to be considered as part of the budget setting process for next year. Priority 2 works which would need to feature in 2026/27 budget plans had been estimated at £2,535,400 and Priority 3 works which would fall beyond the next two years had been estimated at £93,000. Longer term works had been costed at £407,400.

Town Councillor Ranyard commented that it was good for employees to improve qualifications and enhance their role within the organisation. He asked if there were any stipulations in terms of a set period for employees to remain with the authority. He advised that he would be happy to approve the request providing there was a stipulation to say that the cost of the qualification would have to be paid back if the employee were to leave the authority within a set period of time.

Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar explained that the first three modules had to be completed within the first two years and the full diploma would have to be completed within five years. He advised that he would discuss the issue with Human Resources and provide something in writing.

Resolved:

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

(ii)       That the current position with regards to the member of staff wanting to enrol in the diploma be noted and the funding of the diploma be agreed with a stipulation that costs of the qualification be paid back if the employee were to leave the authority within a set period of time;

(iii)      That the updated position with regards to the Green Flag scheme be noted;

(iv)      That the FBCA compliance report be noted;

(v)     That the content of the Service Asset Management Plan attached at Appendix 4 be agreed, which will be factored into budget planning in 2025/26 and beyond.