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 Thursday 15 June 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held 16 June 2023 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To seek approval of the proposed fees and charges for 2024, in accordance with the service objective of providing efficient arrangements for funeral directors and clergy which meet the need of their service users at a reasonable cost.

The Joint Committee considered the proposed fees and charges for 2024, in accordance with the service objective of providing efficient arrangements for funeral directors and clergy.

The Joint Committee noted an allowance for inflation on energy was necessary and an additional £25,000 was included in the base budget for 2023/24.  Energy prices have risen to higher levels than anticipated.  It was forecasted that the cost of energy alone, based on regular annual consumption, would potentially add an extra £62,000 to operating costs in 2023/24.

RESOLVED that the fees and charges for cremations and associated services from 1 January 2024, as detailed in the appendix, be approved.

To advise the Joint Committee on the latest performance levels (budgets) for Bramcote Crematorium for 2023/24.

The Joint Committee were provided with an update on the latest performance levels for Bramcote Crematorium for 2023/24.

To provide the Joint Committee with an update on marketing and performance.

The Joint Committee were provided with an update on performance and marketing.

Bramcote Bereavement Services held the annual open day in partnership with funeral directors, civil celebrants and beneficiaries of the previous charitable donation. The event was well received resulting in approximately 150 members of the public attending.

It should be noted that the death rate and funerals available in the core and targeted areas between 01/04/2023 and 31/08/2023 had decreased by 7.81% compared to the same period in 2022/23.

To consider the options for upgrading the media and audio system, determine which option is to be explored and approve the appropriate budget for the cost of upgrade and installation.

The Joint Committee note the proposal for upgrading the media and audio system.

The current media and audio system had been in place since 2005 with the latest contract ending November 2024.  A review had suggested that moving the service to the new provider would enhance both the user and customer experience.  The preferred supplier is the leading supplier of funeral industry media and audio solutions, operating in 71% of the crematoria in the UK.

The current provider had lost market share, due to the lack of investment in the customer experience and market trends.  This had been evidenced by the number of crematoria who have already made the transition.  The new provider would deliver new innovative ideas and products to ensure the service remains current. 

          RESOLVED that option 4 be approved.

To consider items for inclusion in the Work Programme for future meetings.

The Joint Committee considered the Work Programme.

          RESOLVED that the Work Programme be approved, subject a report on Pamela Cottage be added to the Work Programme and an additional meeting be scheduled for 20 June 2024.

To provide the Joint Committee with an update on the charitable donation approved by the Joint Committee March 2023 to The Children’s Bereavement Centre and Cruse, and to seek approval of the charitable organisation which will receive the charitable donation from funds raised through the latest round of the metals recycling scheme.

The Joint Committee were provided with an update on the charitable donation.

The Joint Committee considered the charitable organisation which would receive the charitable donation in round one from the funds raised through the metals recycling scheme.

RESOLVED that the charitable organisation which will receive the charitable donation from funds raised through the latest round of the metals recycling scheme be approved.

The Committee is asked to RESOLVE that, under Section 100A of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public and press 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 in paragraphs 1 and 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

RESOLVED that, under Section 100A of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public and press 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 in paragraphs 1 and 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

The Joint Committee noted the report.