Agenda, decisions and minutes

No declarations of interest were received.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Blank (CBC), Councillor Kenyon (NEDDC), Councillor Parkin (NEDDC), Councillor Renwick (NEDDC) and Councillor Watson (BDC).

RESOLVED –

That the Minutes of the Chesterfield and District Joint Crematorium Committee on 20 September, 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Senior Accounting Technician presented to the committee the revenue estimates for 2020/21 to 2024/25. It was acknowledged that some forecasts may need to be reviewed due to the impact of COVID-19.

RESOLVED –

1.    That the revenue estimates be approved.

2.    That the Capital schemes be approved. (para 3.4 & 6.6).

3.    In line with the recommendation agreed at the Joint Board meeting on the 12 December 2016 that a re-distribution of £500,000 to the Constituent Authorities be approved for 2021/22.

4.    That the planned use of reserves be approved (para 6.0)

REASON FOR DECISION –

To enable the Crematorium to set a balanced budget and maintain adequate reserves for 2021/22 and in future years.

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 2021/22 was provided in Section 2 of the officer’s report.

The officer’s report provided updates about projects and improvements which were underway.

RESOLVED –

That the report be noted.

REASON FOR DECISION –

To keep Members updated on the day-to-day operation of the Service.

The Bereavement Services Manager presented to the committee an overview of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The number of excess cremations from April 2021 were noted, during the 8 months from April to November 2021, 98 excess cremations took place (a 7% increase) -v- the 5 year average. Some of the seconded staff had returned to the crematorium for refresher training and others were on standby.

The committee thanked the Bereavement Services Manager and team for continuing to provide a respectful, professional and safe service to residents.

RESOLVED –

1.   That the report is noted.

2.   That the Bereavement Manager be granted delegated authority to reactivate any one of a range of measures at their discretion in response to immediate pressures from the Covid-19 Pandemic.

REASON FOR DECISION –

1.     To inform members on the current situation at the Crematorium.

2.     To continue to provide services in a Covid Secure manner, with reverence and dignity whilst reducing funeral waiting times as far as practicable, should the need arise.

The Bereavement Services Manager presented a report on the surplus derived from the recovery of metals following cremation.

RESOLVED –

To Approve the nomination of Young Lives -v- Cancer and The Air Ambulance Service to be the joint recipients of the donation for 2022 receiving one payment each during the year. 

REASON FOR DECISION -

1.    Both Charities demonstrate that an element of their Charity work is to provide bereavement support and is therefore eligible for nomination.

2.    Both Charities demonstrate support to constituents.

3.    Neither Charity has received has been nominated by this Committee previously.

4.    Splitting the donation allows support to two separate Charities during a difficult and challenging financial times for their Trustees.