Issue - meetings

The Assistant Director – Commercial Services presented a report recommending for approval a proposed increase in the Crematorium fees and charges for 2020.

The report provided a detailed service analysis, which included a benchmarking exercise with other local authorities across Derbyshire.  The review identified that Chesterfield Crematorium had the second lowest basic fee of the nine crematoria that were looked at.

The high level of service provided by the Crematorium was also highlighted as a consideration when looking at the fees. The fees had initially been calculated using an estimate of 2000 cremations a year but as the numbers of cremations have decreased in recent months this may create a risk.

The committee was advised that there was an increasing demand for Direct Cremation Services and that Chesterfield and District Crematorium was the only provider in the region not to offer this service. It was noted that Chesterfield and District Royal Hospital use another local provider for cremations of this nature.

Discussions took place around the possible implications on the other cremation booking slots in terms of people opting for the lowest priced option. The impact on parking and whether mourners would be permitted to attend were also considered.

It was noted that there has been recent scrutiny nationally of funeral costs and that consideration of cost pressures to the general public had been taken into account when proposing the amendments to fees.

A vote was taken on each of the recommendations and all of the recommendations were approved by the committee. Councillor Holmes asked that it be noted that he voted against recommendations 1, 2 and 5.

RESOLVED –

1.   To approve an increase of 2.7% on the Current Band B Charge, to be renamed BAND C for 2020, to be reviewed from 1^st January 2021.

2.   To increase the Current Band A Charge by 2.5% to £574.00 and rename BAND B.

3.   To not implement an increase in the charges for memorialisation and miscellaneous items.

4.   To introduce a 20-minute Direct Cremation slot, named BAND A at 08.10am and 08.30am at £415.00.

5.   To approve all fees and charges at Appendix 1 for 2020, including a 2.5% increase on the Saturday Service Charge, increasing the fee from £810 to £830.

6.   To approve delegated authority for the Bereavement Service Manager to discount fees and charges where necessary in form of compensation where the expected service has not been provided up to the value of the Cremation Fee

REASONS FOR DECISION –

1.   To secure sufficient funds to; maintain a high level of standards for the bereaved, reach a balanced budget, maintain sufficient reserve levels and meet budget pressures in 2020.

2.   To continue to provide affordable options to commemorate within the grounds of the crematorium at a time when national trends show a decline in remains leaving the Crematorium (80% nationally).

3.   To provide an affordable option for cremation for all.

4.   To enable the Bereavement Services Manager to deal with any issues promptly and expediently.