Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Cottle-Hunkin, Denton and

P. Leaver and Sarah Higgins (NDC Head of Customer Focus).

(a)  Matters Arising

(i)        RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 1st November

2024 (previously circulated) be approved as a correct record and

signed by the Chairman.

(ii)        Matters Arising. There were no matters arising.

There were no items of urgency.

There were no declarations of interest declared.

The Joint Committee considered a report by the Crematorium Manager

(previously circulated).

i)             Crematorium Figures- (excluding NVF)

The Cremation figures were noted and that to date there had been 145

cremations in February.

ii)            Metals Recycling Charity Award

It was noted:

That Children’s Hospice South West had been nominated for the next award.

Rota for subsequent awards:

Families in Grief

North Devon Hospice

Cruse

Children’s Hospice SW

The Trainee Bereavement Services Manager reported that a request had

been received from one of the Charities that the awarded grant be shared

equally between the chosen Charities each year rather than on a 2 yearly rota

basis to aid fund raising. She would bring a report to the next Joint Committee

meeting for consideration.

iii)           Crematorium Solar Panels

It was noted that a project had been set up to:

·         Assess if any grants were available (early indications are negative).

·         Obtain tenders for a system to be installed on the Rowan Chapel roof

(constructed in 2016 with specific instruction it be sufficiently sturdy for

solar panels). A previous estimate was obtained for 70kw system

costed at £61,500 +vat (expired Dec 2024).

·         Identify additional cost of battery storage and the benefits/pay-back

period.

It was also noted that there may be an option to add EV charging at a later

date.

The funding option of using the Budget Management Reserve was discussed

previously (total £102,461 including any vat – equivalent of £85,000 +vat).

It was noted that a powered coffin carrying trolley had been purchased for the

Aspen Chapel and the new ‘Welcome Garden’ had been completed

RESOLVED:

i)          that the battery storage/back up option provision be approved to

provide business continuity and resilience.

ii)         that the Budget Management Reserve identified above approved

and be used to fund the project, up to the full amount including the cost of battery storage.

The Joint Committee noted a report by the Treasurer (previously circulated)

regarding the performance for quarter 3 (April to December 2024/2025) and

that the projected net deficit for the year be funded from the Equipment

Replacement Reserve.

The Joint Committee considered and noted a report by the Treasurer

(previously circulated) regarding the budget, fees and charges for 2025/2026.

RESOLVED:

(i)            That the basic Cremation charge for 2025/26 of £899 be approved as detailed in paragraph 4.4 of the report

(ii)          That the 2025/26 budget as set out in paragraph 4.1 of the report be approved.

(iii)         That the fees and charges for 2025/26 as detailed in paragraph 4.5 and appendix 2 be approved subject to the Funeral Director charge for service over run being amended to £370 due to a typing error.

(iv)      That the distribution of surpluses for 2024/25 of £416,230 to the

constituent authorities: £249,740 to North Devon Council and

£166,490 to Torridge District Council be approve.

(v)       That the transfer of £100,000 to the Equipment Replacement Reserve be approved

It was noted that the next meeting would be on Friday 6th June 2025 @

2.30 p.m.

The Chair and Joint Committee recorded their thanks to Mark Drummond

(Crematorium Manager) who was retiring at the end of March for his service

to the crematorium and wished him well in his retirement.

Chairman

The meeting ended at 3.05 p.m.