Agenda, decisions and minutes

No declarations were received.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Blank, Councillor A Diouf and Councillor Ritchie.

That the minutes of the Chesterfield and District Joint Crematorium Committee on 17 December 2018 be approved as a true record and signed by the Chair.

The Senior Accounting Technician submitted a report on the Period 10 Budget Monitoring position as at the end of January 2019.

It was noted that there was a favourable profiled variance and that the income was up £40k due to an increase in the number of cremations. It was expected that this would continue and the final budget would be better than forecast.

The committee heard that the cost of the temporary toilets may be higher than first thought.

RESOLVED –

That the report be noted.

REASON FOR DECISION

To keep the Joint Committee informed about the financial performance of the Crematorium.

To move ‘That under Regulation 21 (1)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements)(Access to Information)(England) Regulations 2000, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined by Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972’ on the grounds that they contain information relating to financial or business affairs.

Part 2 (Non Public Information)

That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

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

The committee heard that a satisfaction survey had been sent out to Funeral Directors and Ministers and that the feedback was very positive. The intention was to repeat the survey each year in order to help with continuous improvement.  

It was noted that this year marks the 60^th anniversary of the official opening of the crematorium and the Service of Remembrance will take place in October to coincide with the commemorations.

The Chair thanked the Bereavement Services Manager for his dedication and ongoing commitment to the Crematorium.

RESOLVED –

1.   That the report be noted.

2.   That the staff be thanked for their support in achieving excellent customer satisfaction results.

REASON FOR DECISION –

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

The Bereavement Services Manager presented a report on the surplus derived from the recovery of metals following cremation. It was explained that the number of enquiries from charities hoping to receive the surplus had increased significantly.

RESOLVED –

That the committee approve the nomination of the Chesterfield Branch of CRUSE Bereavement Care and Derbyshire Asbestos Support to receive an equal share of the surplus funds from the scheme for the next 12 months with further nominations presented to the Committee in March 2020.

REASON FOR DECISION –

1.   The Chesterfield Branch of CRUSE Bereavement Care’s core function is to offer support, advice and information to the people of North East Derbyshire, Bolsover and Chesterfield when someone dies and work to enhance our society’s care of bereaved people. Supporting information is attached at Appendix A.

2.   A considerable element of the Derbyshire Asbestos Support team is their specific support to those left behind after an asbestos related death. This support includes dealing with statutory agencies (such as DWP, Pension Service, and Coroner) and helping with probate and other official documents. It also accompanies the bereaved to inquests and assistance with a posthumous compensation claim (if not claimed in life). The Team also administer regular support group meetings, befriending schemes, telephone support and regular newsletters. Supporting Information is attached at Appendix A.

The Bereavement Services Manager presented a report onthe risks to Chesterfield and District Crematorium and the actions taken to manage each risk. Amendments to the Register made since the previous year were highlighted to the committee.

RESOLVED –

That the Register amendments be noted and that the Risk Register for 2019 be approved.

Councillor Serjeant expressed the thanks of the committee to Councillor Gordon for his work on the Joint Crematorium Committee over the years. The Chair seconded this sentiment and wished him all the best for the future.