Issue - meetings

-      Report to follow

The Bereavement Services Manager and Clerk and Treasurer presented the Committee’s revenue estimate for 2016/17 to 2019/20.

The following points were outlined in the report:

·        The revised forecast for 2016/17 and explanations of significant variances, resulting in an expected operating surplus of £322,320. When adjusted for the reserves and profit distribution below there was an expected deficit of £499,605.

·        Estimates for 2017/18, with an estimated surplus of £503,950.

·        Medium term forecasts for 2018/19 and 2019/20.

·        Reserves – revenue reserve, mercury abatement reserve, equipment replacement reserve, organ reserve, cremator repairs reserve and capital improvement reserve.

·        Proposed re-distribution to constituent authorities.

The Clerk and Treasurer advised the Committee that consideration would be given to reducing the capital improvement reserve in March 2017 via a one-off distribution so that the balance was appropriate to meet capital improvement needs based on the ten year service improvement plan.

RESOLVED –

1.   That the revenue estimates be approved, subject to the approval of the fees & charges.

2.   That the Capital schemes detailed in paragraph 6.7 of the report be approved.

3.   That the redistribution of £821,925 to the constituent authorities in March, 2017 detailed in paragraph 7 (in accordance with their shareholding) of the report be approved for 2016/17 and that in future years all surpluses are re-distributed each year, subject to surpluses being over £100,000 per annum.

4.   That the planned use of reserves as detailed in paragraph 6 of the report be approved including a reduced contribution of £90,000 to the capital improvement reserve from 2017/18.

5.   That the increased expenditure of £5,500 on the floral tribute area be noted.

6.   That consideration be given to the future implications of increased business rates on the revenue estimates.

REASON FOR DECISIONS

To enable the Crematorium to set a balanced budget and maintain adequate reserves for 2016/17 and in future years.