Agenda item

Budget, 2010/11.

The Head of Finance, HR and Business Support referred Members to the Options Appraisal Report as set out in the agenda papers.

Members were asked to note that the budget was based on outturn report and the fees and charges as set out in the previous items together with input from the Superintendent and Registrar as regards issues such as maintenance to footpaths, replacement organ, identity tokens, service booklets, the planned 50 Years Celebrations and preparatory work connected to the cremator replacement. 

The Head of Finance, HR and Business Support explained that the budget was prudent whilst taking into account work relating to the cremator replacement.  The Joint Committee noted that the DCC Capital Programme would go to DCC Cabinet in February, but the Head of Finance, HR and Business Support noted that is was likely that the vast majority of the cremator replacement would be part of the 2011/12 budget.

The Head of Finance, HR and Business Support concluded by asking Members to note that the proposed surplus for Durham County Council and Spennymoor Town Council would remain the same as last year.

The Chair asked whether it was necessary for the additional identity tokens to be purchased as he believed they lasted up to 20 years.  The Superintendent and Registrar replied stating that as each token carried through the cremation process as a means of identification, in fact one token was used up for each cremation.

Councillor N Foster asked whether the 50 Years Celebrations would be an opportunity to bring in companies from within funeral services and generate some additional revenue.  The Superintendent and Registrar noted that if such companies were invited, it would be seen as being more of a public service rather than a profit making exercise, though it may be possible to have partner organisation provide sponsorship if this was deemed appropriate.

Resolved:

That the Members of the Joint Committee note and approve the budget proposals contained within the report.