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 24 October 2024.

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 October 2024 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To provide the Joint Committee with an update on the Christmas Service of remembrance, Carols by Candlelight 2024.

The Joint Committee were provided with an update on the Christmas service of remembrance.

The service was attended by 150 members of the public, including six children.  

To seek approval of the proposed budgets for 2025/26, together with the revised estimates for the current financial 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 noted the proposed budgets for 2025/26, together with the revised estimates for the current financial 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 noted the estimated levels of revenue account balances at the respective financial year-ends, and the proposed distribution of a total of £800,000 in 2024/25 and £900,000 in 2025/26, split equally between Broxtowe and Erewash Borough Councils.

RESOLVED that:

1.     The revised estimate for 2024/25 and the base budget for 2025/26, as outlined, be approved.

2.     The fees and charges, as detailed, be approved and implemented.

3.     A total amount of £800,000 be distributed to the constituent authorities in 2024/25 and an increased total amount of £900,000 be distributed to the constituent authorities in 2025/26.

To seek approval of a Medium Term Financial Strategy for Bramcote Crematorium through to 2028/29 in accordance with the service objective of providing efficient arrangments for funeral directors and clergy which meet the needs of their service users at a reasonable cost.

Members considered the Medium Term Financial Strategy for Bramcote Crematorium through to 2028/29 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 financial forecast through to 2028/29 demonstrates that all anticipated spending can continue to be met whilst maintaining a level of distribution of £450,000 to each constituent authority in 2025/26 and for this to continue at this level through to 2028/29. General balances were set to be maintained above the minimum recommended level of £100,000 throughout the period.

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

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

The Joint Committee noted the Joint update on performance and marketing.

The number of fee charging cremations achieved between 1 April 2024 and 30 November 2024 in the core, targeted and out of area has increased by 18 compared to the same period 2023/24, resulting in 1,458 fee charging cremations.

Invoices for cremation fees raised between 1 April 2024 and 30 November 2024

equates to £1,227,260 compared to £1,147,220 during the same period 2023/24. This is an additional £80,000 in revenue mitigating the additional costs related to service provision.

To provide the Joint Committee with an update on the progress of the replacement cremators project.

The Joint Committee were provided with an update on the progress of the replacement cremators project.

It was noted that the project was currently 3 weeks behind schedule. However, work continues to be undertaken to replace the cremator without disruption of services.

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

The Joint Committee discussed the Work Programme.

RESOLVED that the Work Programme be approved.