Agenda and minutes

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interest in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 25 October 2018.

The minutes of the meeting held on 25 October 2018 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To provide the Joint Committee with various updates regarding Bramcote Bereavement Services.

A report was considered by the Joint Committee with updates relating to Bramcote Bereavement Services:

· The 2018/19 budget includes £40,000 for the refurbishment of the Serenity Chapel exit toilets. The work was due completed in December 2018. However, due to a delay this work will now be completed in January 2019.

· It was noted that works were outlined for the improvement of the heat exchanger. However, due to the anticipated cost of the works three quotes would need to be obtained following the tender process. It was estimated that the works would cost £25,000.

RESOLVED that the Joint Committee delegate to Broxtowe’s Head of Property Services, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee, the decision on whether to proceed with the heat exchanger installation or just to replace the current boilers, noting that the expenditure may slip into next financial year.

To recommend the waiving of the cremation fee for 16 and 17 year old deceased persons at Bramcote Crematorium, and to recommend to the councils of both constituent authorities that interment fees at their cemeteries also be waived for 16 and 17 year old deceased persons.

A report was considered by the Joint Committee with updates relating to Bramcote Bereavement Services:

· The 2018/19 budget includes £40,000 for the refurbishment of the Serenity Chapel exit toilets. The work was due completed in December 2018. However, due to a delay this work will now be completed in January 2019.

· It was noted that works were outlined for the improvement of the heat exchanger. However, due to the anticipated cost of the works three quotes would need to be obtained following the tender process. It was estimated that the works would cost £25,000.

RESOLVED that the Joint Committee delegate to Broxtowe’s Head of Property Services, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee, the decision on whether to proceed with the heat exchanger installation or just to replace the current boilers, noting that the expenditure may slip into next financial year.

To provide members with a report on the Christmas Service of Remembrance held on Sunday, 2 December 2018.  This is part of providing professional, compassionate and sensitive bereavement services.

The Joint Committee received an update on the Christmas Service of Remembrance 2018. 

The Service was attended by 152 members of the public and a total of 111 surveys were returned. The service received positive feedback and cost an estimated £360 to run.

To advise the Joint Committee on the performance levels for the crematorium so far in 2018/19.

The Joint Committee received an update on the performance levels for the crematorium in 2018/19.

It was noted that the crematorium were expected to exceed the total number of cremations for 2018/19.

The Joint Committee requested that a further report be brought to a future meeting in relation to the recovery of income from outstanding debtors.

To seek approval of the proposed revenue budget for the financial year 2019/20, together with the revised estimate for the current year.

The Joint Committee considered the proposed revenue budget for the financial year 2019/20.

The proposed distribution was £500,000 to each of the two constituent authorities in 2019/20.

It was noted that both Broxtowe and Erewash Borough Council bear the costs of welfare funerals. The Joint Committee requested that a report detailing further information on welfare funerals be brought to a future meeting.

RESOLVED that:

1.    The revised estimate for 2018/19 and the base estimate for 2019/20 as submitted at appendix 2 be approved.

2.    An amount of £7,350 be provided to cover inflation during 2019/20.

3.    An amount of £37,000 be provided to cover revenue developments during 2019/20 as outlined in appendix 3 of the report.

4.    The fees and charges as detailed in appendix 4 be implemented.

5.    An amount of £500,000 be distributed to each of the constituent authorities in 2019/20.

   To seek approval of a medium term financial strategy for the Bramcote Crematorium through to 2021/22.

The Joint Committee considered the medium term financial strategy for the Bramcote Crematorium through to 2021/22. It demonstrated that all anticipated expenditure could continue to be met whilst maintaining a level of distribution greater than £400,000.   

            RESOLVED that the medium term financial strategy for Bramcote Crematorium be approved.

The Joint Committee is asked to agree the proposed schedule of meetings for 2019/20:

14 March 2019 - Bramcote Crematorium        

20 June 2019  - Bramcote Crematorium (Annual Meeting)

RESOLVED that meetings of the Joint Committee be held in 2018/19 as follows:

                                    14 March 2019         -           Bramcote Crematorium

(Annual Meeting)     20 June 2019            -          Bramcote Crematorium