Chesterfield Crematorium Fees and Charges 2020/2021
Minutes:
The Bereavement Service Manager presented a report recommending for approval a proposed increase in the Crematorium fees and charges for 2021.
The report provided a detailed service analysis, which included a benchmarking exercise with other local authorities across Derbyshire. The review identified that Chesterfield Crematorium was placed sixth out of nine local crematoria that were looked at, ranking them in terms of price from highest to lowest.
The high level of service provided by the Crematorium was also highlighted as a consideration when looking at the fees. The considerable cost of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic was discussed, which equated to approximately £45 per service. The potential for a decrease in numbers over next year or two as a direct result of the pandemic were also taken into account.
The committee was informed that the burden sharing scheme administrator CAMEO had recommended an increase in the environmental surcharge of £3. It was also proposed that the cost of memorials be increased for the first time in five years as suppliers costs and charges continued to increase.
It was noted by the committee that the COVID-19 pandemic presented a very delicate situation and the task of setting the fees and charges was as a result, very much a balancing act.
RESOLVED –
1. To approve Fees and Charges for 2021 according to Appendix
A.
2. To increase Memorial Fees by 5%.
3. To increase Band A by 5% from £415.00 to
£436.00
4. To increase Band B by 5% from £574.00 to
£603.00.
5. To increase Banc C and other miscellaneous fees by 5%. BAND
C would increase
from £770.00 to £808.00.
6. To increase the Mercury Abatement Surcharge to £56.00
in
accordance with industry guidance.
REASON FOR DECISIONS
1. To ensure sufficient funds to maintain high levels of standards
for the bereaved, reach a balanced budget and to maintain
sufficient reserve levels to meet any future pressures.
2. To provide an affordable option for cremation for all with
below
average fees and above average standards.
3. To ensure adequate funds are available to continue to respond to
the Covid-19 in a Covid Secure way