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 13 October 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 October 2022 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To seek approval of the proposed revenue budget for the financial year 2023/24, 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 revenue budget for financial year 2023/24, 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 £800,000 in both 2022/23 and 2023/24, split equally between Broxtowe and Erewash Borough Councils, given the level of estimated revenue account surplus as at 31 March 2023.

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.

RESOLVED that:

1.         The revised estimate for 2022/23 and the base budget for 2023/24 as submitted at appendix 2 be approved.

2.         An amount of £60,000 be provided to cover capital developments during 2023/24 as outlined in appendix 3 be approved.

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

4.         An amount of £400,000 be distributed to each of the constituent authorities in 2023/24.

To seek approval of a Medium Term Financial Strategy for Bramcote Crematorium through to 2026/27 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 Medium Term Financial Strategy for Bramcote Crematorium through to 2026/27.

The Joint Committee noted that expenditure can continue to be met whilst maintaining a level of distribution of at least £400,000 to each constituent authority in 2022/23 and 2023/24.  There was likely to be a need to reduce the annual distribution to £350,000 to each constituent authority from 2024/25 if general balances are 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.

There will be a verbal update to the Joint Committee from the Head of Finance regarding the land sale at the Crematorium.

The Joint Committee noted the verbal update regarding the sale of the land to the rear of the crematorium.

There will be a verbal update to the Joint Committee regarding the replacement of the cremators.

The Joint Committee noted the verbal update regarding the replacement of the cremators.

To provide the Joint Committee with an update on the Christmas Service of  Remembrance 2022.

The Joint Committee were provided an update on the Christmas Service of    Remembrance 2022. It was noted that he service was attended by 140 members of the public and was well received.

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

The Joint Committee noted the update on cremation numbers. It was noted that there had been a slight decrease in cremations during the first 8 months of the year.

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 to the addition of reports on the Cremator Replacement Update, Updated Fees and Charges and Review of ICT/Language Services provided during ceremonies.