Agenda and draft 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 19 October 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 October 2023 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To seek approval of the proposed budgets for the financial year 2024/25, together with the revised estimate for the current year, 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 budgets for the financial year 2024/25, together with the revised estimate for the current year, 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.

It was proposed to distribute a total of £700,000 in 2023/24 and £800,000 2024/25, split equally between Broxtowe and Erewash Borough Councils, given the level of estimated revenue account surplus as at 31 March 2024 and 31 March 2025.

Members noted the need to maintain at least the minimum recommended balance of £100,000 to safeguard crematorium balances from the potential impact of new crematoria in the local area and the effect on cremation numbers.

It was noted that it was planned to reduce the estimated level of distribution in 2023/24 by £50,000 to each authority, given the level of pressure on the Crematorium’s budget from increased costs (price inflation associated with fuel and energy) and reduced income (linked to the current reduction in death rates).

RESOLVED that:

1.         The revised estimate for 2023/24 and the base budget for 2024/25, as submitted at appendix 2, be approved.

2.         An amount of £1,829,000 be provided to cover capital developments in 2024/25, as outlined in appendix 3, be approved.

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

4.         A reduced total amount of £700,000 be distributed to the constituent authorities in 2023/24 and a total amount of £800,000 be distributed to the constituent authorities in 2024/25.

To seek approval of a Medium Term Financial Strategy for Bramcote Crematorium through to 2027/28 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.

Members considered the Medium Term Financial Strategy for Bramcote Crematorium through to 2027/28 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 installation of new cremators at Bramcote Crematorium had been included in 2024/25.  The overall cost would be subject to tender, but was expected to be a significant capital investment of £1.8 million.  The new cremators would be jointly and equally funded by Broxtowe and Erewash Borough Councils.  Some of the capital cost would be offset by ongoing efficiency savings on energy consumption and maintenance budgets.

RESOLVED that the Medium Term Financial Strategy for Bramcote Crematorium be approved.

To note the Bramcote Bereavement Services Business Plan for 2024/25 to 2026/27.

The Joint Committee noted the Bramcote Bereavement Services Business Plan for 2024/25 to 2026/27.

As part of the performance management framework, the business and financial plans for the corporate priority areas identified within the Corporate Plan are aligned so that the linkages between service priorities, spending proposals and targets are clear.

A verbal update will be provided to the meeting by the Executive Director and the Strategic and Business Development Manager.

The Joint Committee noted the updated.

To provide the Joint Committee with an update on the Christmas Service of Remembrance 2023.

The Joint Committee were provided with an update on the Christmas Service of Remembrance 2023.

The annual Christmas Service of Remembrance was held on Friday 1 December 2023 and was attended by 150 members of the public, including 12 children.

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

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

It was noted that analysis would be carried out on a monthly basis to establish the market share for the services held at the Crematorium. For every cremation held at the crematorium this would involve recording the district where each of the deceased lived set against the overall death rate for the corresponding district. The market share can then be calculated.

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

The Joint Committee noted the Work Programme. It was requested that an updated on the sale of land at the crematorium be added to the Work Programme.

          RESOLVED that the Work Programme, with the addition of an update on the sale of land at the crematorium, be approved.