Agenda item

Joint Report of the Corporate Director of Neighbourhood Services and the Corporate Director of Resources / Treasurer to the Joint Committee.

The Joint Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director Neighbourhood Services and Corporate Director Resources: Treasurer to the Joint Committee which set out for Members’ consideration proposals with regards to the 2013/14 revenue budget for the Central Durham Crematorium (for copy see file of minutes).

The Head of Finance (Financial Services) advised that the budget for 2013/14 contained a number of one off items of expenditure which would not reoccur in future years budget setting. The forecast had been set on a prudent basis although it was noted that the budget included additional cremations which were forecast for the year. Therefore the budget for 2013/14 was set at £1,134,246.

Discussion then ensued regarding staffing and it was noted that a member of staff employed by Spennymoor Town Council who had been on the pandemic cremator operator reserves had now left the authority. The Superintendent and Registrar advised that funding was available to employ two further pandemic cremator operatives from April 2013. He further advised that during recent periods of staff sickness these reserves had been called upon to assist over busy periods which had proved very successful.

Resolved:

(i)         That the Joint Committee note and approve the budget proposals contained within the report.

(ii)        That the forecast level of reserves and balances at 31 March 2014 be noted.