Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Cottle-Hunkin, Haworth-Booth and Lovering.

(a)  Matters Arising

(i)         RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th June 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. The Crematorium Manager reported that there had been 125 cremations in July.

ii)         Crematorium Solar Panels

It was noted that North Devon Council had now use Devon County Council’s

procurement service. They were being consulted to identify the best method to design/procure panels for the crematorium and other NDC sites.

iii)        Metals Recycling Charity Award

It was noted:

That Cruse had been nominated for the second 2023 award (due July 2024) had been delayed with a second award request expected before end of year

Rota for subsequent awards:

Children’s Hospice SW

Families in Grief

North Devon Hospice

Cruse

iv)        Service Over-Run Charge

It was noted that an incident had occurred recently where the actions of a funeral director had led to the chapel being unavailable for about 45 minutes after their service.

It was agreed that the use of the Service Over-Run charge (£295) be used in such circumstances and that an additional cleaning charge be applied if necessary.

It was noted that such charges would apply to the funeral directors and not the families.

The Committee recorded its thanks to the staff for dealing with the situation in a professional and efficient manner.

v)         Other matters

The Crematorium Manager reported that the cleaning contract was out for tender and that a third quote was awaited for the works to the garden area.

He also reported that there was currently no statutory inspection regime in relation to the services provided by funeral directors. The Ministry for Justice had in light of recent national incidents issued guidance for local authority visits of funeral directors and he would be attending such visits in the North Devon area.

vi)        Service Improvement Plan

The Committee noted that a Service Improvement Plan which had been undertaken by the Trainee Crematorium Manager and had been consulted on with the Crematorium Team had been completed. The copies of the document for information and comment would be emailed to all Members.

The Joint Committee noted a report by the Treasurer (previously circulated) regarding the performance for quarter 1 April to June 20242025.

PART ‘B’ (Confidential/Restricted Information)

Nil

NOTE:  Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985

In addition to any document specifically mentioned, reports included in this Agenda will have been prepared with reference to any or all of the following:

1.         All relevant statutory provisions.

2.         All relevant Government circulars and ministerial advice.

3.         All relevant adopted policies of the Council.

4.         Capital Works Programme.

5.         Current Estimates.

6.         Standing Orders

7.         Consultants’ opinion and advice.

8.         Published works relevant to the subject of the report.

It was noted that the next meeting would be on Friday 1^st November 2024 @

2.30 p.m.

Chairman

The meeting ended at 2.55  p.m.