Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Christie, Pennington, Phillips and Walker and R. McCormack – Head of Operational Services.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 5 July 2019

a)     Matters Arising

(i)         RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 5^th July 2019 (previously circulated) be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

(ii)        Matters Arising – There were no matters arising

Councillor Lovering declared an interest in item 6 in relation to the metals recycling charity award scheme and the proposal to include the North Devon Hospital ‘Over and Above’ Charity as she worked in the maternity unit at the hospital.

Items brought forward which, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered by the meeting as a matter of urgency.

There were none.

There were no Part II items.

Report by the Crematorium Manager

The Joint Committee considered a report by the Crematorium Manager (previously circulated).

i)          Update from last meeting

It was noted:

That North Devon Council was currently evaluating the benefits of solar panels on several buildings. The crematorium would be considered as part of this process and the Joint Committee would be updated as the process developed.

The current cremator equipment company had been asked to provide

Estimates’ for life expectancy and replacement costs of the key equipment to enable a review of the level of the existing fund being built (currently at £100,000 a year).

The figures would be based on total replacement as it was unclear whether a process of progressive upgrading or a radical replacement of all equipment (a different manufacturer or entirely different ‘cremation’ process) were the most likely course of action in the future.

ii)         Staffing

It was noted that the bereavement administrator post had been advertised and interviews would be completed later this month (probably 20^th August).

iii)        Metals Recycling Charity Award

It was noted that the awards had progressively increased over the last 5 years from about £4,500 to £8,000 at least twice a year.

The current rota was as follows:

Families in Grief

North Devon Children’s Holiday Foundation

North Devon Hospice

Cruse

Children’s Hospice SW

North Devon Cancer Care Centre Trust

The committee considered the addition of two charities to the rota both strongly bereavement associated.

• The North Devon Hospital ‘Over and Above’ charity whose aim was to raise funds for a new Bereavement Suite on the labour ward in which to care for women and their families who experience a loss.

• CLARITY a ‘North Devon only’ mental health charity with centres in Barnstaple and Torrington providing services and support to people experiencing mental health and emotional issues (including bereavement through suicide support). It was staffed entirely by volunteers (including professional therapists).and aim to help people before they harm themselves or others as well as post-bereavement support.

It was RESOLVED:

A)        To add both charities to the Metals recycling award list.

B)        To add the two charities in the order listed above after the Children’s          Hospice SW (ie North Devon Hospital ‘Over and Above’ followed by   Clarity’

Councillor Lovering wished it recorded that she abstained from voting

vi)        Crematorium Figures

The Cremation figures were noted.

vii)       Children’s Funeral Fund For England

It was noted that North Devon Crematorium (together with all local funeral directors) currently followed the industry norm practice of not charging for funeral services relating to a child up to and including the age of 17. Typically this has included extended services at no cost.

From 23^rd July 2019 a Ministry of Justice scheme became available enabling Parents/Crematoria/Burial Authorities/Funeral Directors to reclaim the funeral costs relating to children prior to their 18^th birthday, but not ‘pre-term babies’. The number of child & stillborn funerals (cremation) a year was stable at about 7 a year.

This raised the issue of whether to claim the new Ministry of Justice  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Quarter 1 2019/2020 - Report by the Treasurer

(e)       PERFORMANCE MONITORING QUARTER 1 2019/20

The Joint Committee considered and noted a report by the Treasurer (previously circulated) regarding the performance for Quarter 1 April to June