Issue - meetings

The Bereavement Services Manager submitted a report on matters relating to the operation of the Crematorium.

Information on cremation totals, comparisons with national and regional data, and geographical information on which areas funerals had been received from in 2020/21 was provided in Section 2 of the officer’s report.

The committee heard that the number of cremations from outside Derbyshire had increased disproportionately in the last period and this was thought to be related to the Crematorium’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the number of cremations from Sheffield had increased.

The ongoing investigation into the funeral sector by the Competition and Markets Authority had been interrupted by the pandemic but provisional conclusions had been published and this would involve a push towards more transparent pricing across the industry. Discussion took place around the rate of increase in cremation fees and the potential impact of fees on the number of cremations. The Bereavement Services Manager noted that price was the third highest factor in choosing a crematorium according to the satisfaction survey but that any substantial increase in cremation numbers would affect the service for local residents.

All of the scheduled repairs and improvement works had been recommenced or rescheduled. Good feedback had been received from the customer satisfaction survey and a rating of “reasonable assurance” had been received from internal audit.

Members acknowledged that the report gave confidence to the committee for the future. The Crematorium had dealt with difficult requests and high profile services but all had been dealt with in a professional manner.

RESOLVED –

1.   That the report be noted.

REASONS FOR DECISION –

1.   To keep the Joint Committee informed of matters relating to the operation of the Crematorium.