Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor S J Carr be appointed Chair of the Committee.

RESOLVED that Councillor C Hart be appointed Vice-Chair of the Committee.

RESOLVED that Councillor M Radulovic MBE be appointed Chair of the meeting.

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 17 March 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 March 2022 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To present the Annual Report and Management Statement of Accounts for 2021/22 for consideration by the Joint Committee, in accordance with the vision of working to provide the most professional, compassionate and sensitive services to meet the needs and expectations of people using Bramcote Crematorium.

The Annual Report and Management Statement of Accounts for 2021/22 was considered by the Joint Committee, in accordance with the vision of working to provide the most professional, compassionate and sensitive services to meet the needs and expectations of people using Bramcote Crematorium.

The accounts for the Bramcote Bereavement Services showed a revenue account deficit of £79,564 for the financial year ended 31 March 2022.  The surplus on operations for the year was £586,329, which is around £145,000 lower than the original budget approved in January 2021. The accumulated revenue surplus as at 31 March 2022 was £456,252.

To provide the Joint Committee with an update on cremation numbers.

The Joint Committee received an update on cremation numbers. The number of cremations in 2021/22 reduced from the previous year but it should be noted that the 2020/21 figure was likely to have increased due to the effects of the pandemic.  A more accurate trend on whether the number of cremations is increasing or decreasing will be able to be ascertained over the next year.

To inform Members of the options with regards upgrading the audio and screening system and for Members to decide what option is to be explored and approve the appropriate budget for the cost of installation.

RESOLVED that the item be deferred.

To inform Members of the concept to have a crematorium wall graphic on the waiting area of the Serenity Chapel and if deemed an appropriate concept approve the additional budget needed to fund the initiative.

Members considered the concept to have a crematorium wall graphic on the waiting area of the Serenity Chapel and the additional budget needed to fund the initiative.

It was noted that the current design was dated and consideration has been given to how this can be visually improved to have a more modern and contemporary feel at a relatively low cost.   This was part of the measures aimed at improving the user experience and attracting custom.  The graphics would show the memorialisation options which were available so potentially attracting customers to commemorate their loved one on the site.

RESOLVED that:

1) The additional £1000 from reserves needed to implement the initiative.

2) The decision on the design of the graphics to be affixed to the wall be delegated to the Executive Director.

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

Members considered the Work Programme. It was requested that a report on the energy cost to run the Crematorium be added to the Work Programme.

RESOLVED that the Work Programme be approved, subject to the addition of the report on energy costs.

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 item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 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 item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

To seek approval for the adoption of the Bramcote Crematorium marketing strategy.

RESOLVED that:

1)    The new Bramcote Crematorium marketing strategy.

2)    That a marketing budget of £10,000 is funded from general reserves.

3)    That a budget of £15,000 from general reserves is allocated to fund the transition to the new website provider.