Agenda and minutes

No declarations of interest were received.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Watson and Ludlow and Ian Waller.

RESOLVED –

That the Minutes of the Chesterfield and District Joint Crematorium Committee on 26 September, 2022 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.  Attendees shown on the minutes had been amended to reflect the correct attendance.

The Senior Accounting Technician presented to the committee the revenue estimates for 2022/23 to 2024/25 which were detailed in the appendices of the officer’s report.

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 12 December 2016 that a re-distribution of £700,000 to the Constituent Authorities be approved for 2022/23.

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 2022/23 and in future years.

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

Information on cremation totals and comparisons with national and regional data from 2019 to 2022 was provided in Section 2 of the officer’s report.

The officer’s report also provided an update on the Bereavement Services Questionnaire which was issued in August 2022, to Funeral Directors, Ministers, Celebrants and Memorial Masons, inviting them to take part in the annual satisfaction survey.

The results of the survey were attached at Appendix 1.  The results were generally positive, particularly around the attitude and helpfulness of staff, Grounds Maintenance, Chapel and services in general. 

RESOLVED –

1.   That the report be noted.

REASON FOR DECISION –

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

The Bereavement Services Manager presented a report on the surplus derived from the recovery of metals following cremation. The proposal was for distribution to Charities for 2023.

Members were also updated on details of an alternative scheme provider and a recommendation that a visit was arranged to inspect their processes, following which the Manager would report back to the Committee with any further recommendations.  Full details were provided in Appendix A of the officer’s report.

RESOLVED –

1.    To approve the nomination of CRUSE Bereavement Support, SoBS – Survivors of Bereavement by suicide, Lily’s Legacy – Baby Loss & Beyond, and Sunshine and Shade – A Friendship and Bereavement Group, to be the joint recipients of an equal share of the surplus derived from the metal recycling scheme for 2023.

2.          That Members give approval for the Manager to visit the site of an alternative recycling of metals scheme and report back to a future meeting of the Committee with any recommendations receiving one payment each during the year.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS -

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

2.   All four Charities demonstrate support to constituents.

3.   None of the Charities has received has been nominated by this Committee previously.

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

The Bereavement Services Manager presented a report seeking approval of the fees and charges for the crematorium from 1 January 2023 and approval for delegated authority to be given to the Manager to introduce an “Energy Cost Surcharge” according to any increases in Gas and Electricity Prices over and above what has been budgeted for.

The recommendations were;

·        To approve Fees and Charges for 2023 according to Appendix A of the officer’s report

·        To introduce a new Band A – Direct Cremation (Unattended) Fee of £385.00

·        To introduce Band B – Direct Cremation (Attended) Fee of £485.00

·        To introduce ‘Cancellation of Cremation Service Fee Within 2 Working Days’ of £100.00

·        To introduce an ‘Out of Time’ Penalty, remitted to the waiting family of £100.00

·        Delegated Authority be given for the Manager to introduce an “Energy Cost Surchage”during 2023 but with suitable notice given to Funeral Director’s before any surcharge is made. Any decision will be taken in consultation with the Treasurer, Chair of the Committee and Lead Authority Service Director

It was noted that the fees had been based on a robust estimate of the impact of cost increases and demand within the services and the Committee’s overall financial position.  It was estimated that, should the recommended Fees and Charges be approved, an additional £150,000 income would be raised in the 2023/24 Financial Year. The Standard Cremation Fee would raise by around 10% from £830.00 to £905.00.

Members sought clarification on the proposed new fees and how they would be introduced.  The Bereavement Services Manager confirmed details of each proposed fee and what the next steps would be.

Councillor Holmes questioned the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) study into the funerals market in the UK and proposed a freeze on current charges.

RESOLVED –

That all recommendations detailed in the officer’s report from paragraphs 2.1 to 2.6 be approved.

Councillor Holmes requested that his vote against the recommendation at paragraph 2.1 be recorded.

REASON FOR DECISION –

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.